FICAC Commissioner Under Fire as SOE Files Police Report
“The COC requested a response to a complaint from the Electoral Commission, which referred to allegations by Ms Malimali accusing me of aiding and abetting her arrest,” she said.
Thursday 12 December 2024 | 15:06
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali.
The Barbara Malimali saga has taken a dramatic turn, with Supervisor of Elections (SOE) Ana Mataiciwa, filing a police report against the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner.
The report, lodged on November 28, 2024, with Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew, alleges abuse of office, intimidation, and harassment of witnesses.
The complaint is linked to an ongoing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into Ms Malimali.
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This latest development comes as Ms Malimali's appointment faces scrutiny from a Commission of Inquiry.
The CID separately investigates allegations of abuse of office during her tenure as chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC).
Mr Chew confirmed the report last night, adding that investigations are underway.
Ms Mataiciwa, responding to this masthead’s queries, said she decided to lodge the complaint following notices from the Secretary to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) on November 8 and the Chief Registrar’s Office on November 19.
“The COC requested a response to a complaint from the Electoral Commission, which referred to allegations by Ms Malimali accusing me of aiding and abetting her arrest,” she said.
Acting supervisor of elections Ana Mataiciwa.
“The Chief Registrar’s Office also requested responses from me and two other legal practitioners regarding a professional misconduct complaint by Ms Malimali.”
Ms Mataiciwa claimed that, given Ms Malimali’s status as a key witness in an active CID investigation, her actions amounted to intimidation and harassment.
Meanwhile, former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC Francis Puleiwai has also lodged a complaint against Ms Malimali, accusing her of abusing her powers as commissioner to impose a stop departure order earlier this year.
Mr Chew also confirmed the case has been referred to the CID for investigation.
Attempts to obtain comments from Ms Malimali last night were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
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