Seruiratu's statement regarding the closure of Tabuya's cases by Malimali is inaccurate - FICAC

The FICAC investigation authorised on 24th April 2024 by former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai confirmed that Lynda Tabuya’s marriage to Robert Semaan had been formally and legally dissolved in December 2016.

Lynda Tabuya and Robert Semaan Photo: Niurua Creatives

FICAC says investigators then made a recommendation for closure of the file on 5th August 2024.

It says Puleiwai formally closed the file on 12th August 2024.

FICAC says neither party was represented by Barbara Malimali during the divorce case between Semaan and Tabuya while Malimali was in private practice.

FICAC reiterates its commitment to impartiality and evidence-based decision-making, assuring the public that all investigations and subsequent actions are conducted without bias or any form of favour or fear.

This is in response to the statement released by Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu, regarding recent events involving the former Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Lynda Tabuya.

The Commission says it had received a complaint, referred by the office of the Supervisor of Elections on 5th April 2024, alleging that Tabuya had failed to declare her spouse’s income and business affiliations as required by section 24 of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act.

FICAC says Seruiratu, in his statement, further said he has a grave concern about the role of FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, who closed the case based on potentially false information, and there is a strong need to investigate whether the matter was influenced by Tabuya through Malimali.

Opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu

FICAC states Seruiratu's statement regarding the closure of Tabuya's cases by Malimali is inaccurate.

The Commission says the complaint, investigation, and file closure in relation to Tabuya’s matter all took place prior to Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of FICAC.

FICAC strongly rejects the comments made by Seruiratu as they cast negative aspersions on the work that the Commission is mandated to do.

We have sent questions to the FICAC Commissioner to respond to the alleged claims of Tabuya still being married but her file closed by FICAC.

We have also asked is there proof of Tabuya being divorced, how is FICAC dealing with the matter if Tabuya is back with her husband, and how does FICAC deal with defacto relationships that can be also seen as a legal relationship.