Malimali Lodges Police Complaint against Pulewai

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has lodged a Police complaint against former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Pulewai.

This was confirmed by Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew last night.

The matter is related to allegations of abuse of office, pertaining to when Ms Pulewai allegedly usurped the powers of the commissioner while acting in the position.

Ms Malimali was arrested and detained at FICAC headquarters on her first day at work on September 5.

Dubbed the Barbara-Gate saga because of its political controversy, the issue has reached the echelons of Government with the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka over the weekend hinting of a Board of Inquiry.

Fiji Sun reached out to Ms Malimali but no response was obtained when this edition went to press. Ms Pulewai confirmed she has not been notified of the complaint. She left for Australia on the week of her resignation.

Earlier last week, Mr Rabuka said he was yet to receive a formal letter of resignation from Ms Malimali.

But last night on his official Facebook, Mr Rabuka said: “As chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), I can confirm the resignation of Miss Barbara Malimali as Chair of the Electoral Commission (EC). 

“I was informed by email from the Solicitor-General, who serves as the COC Secretariat, at 8:17 am on Saturday, 14th September.

“This confirmation comes in light of a recent newspaper report regarding Ms. Malimali’s resignation.

“She is now the newly appointed Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).”

Kamikamica response

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica claimed that FICAC operated under political influence in the previous government.

Mr Kamikamica refuted claims that the same applied to the Coalition Government.

“We all know that in some ways, FICAC has probably gone off track little bit,” Mr Kamikamica said.

“Quite rightly, the honourable Prime Minister is calling an inquiry to look into FICAC, that’s no reflection on the new appointment, it’s more of a reflection of where the organisation has been functioning for the last eight years.

“Let’s face it, it was used by the other guys in power, we have certainly not gone down that road. It’s a good opportunity to look into it.”

Opposition MPs

Leader of the G9 crossbenchers, Ioane Naivalurua said Mr Rabuka’s call for an inquiry was key to good governance.

Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu urged Mr Rabuka to stick by his words and go ahead with the an inquiry to investigate the controversy surrounding Ms Malimali’s appointment and the alleged interference indicators.

Fiji Law Society

Fiji Law Society president Wylie Clarke insisted that such matter will be the prerogative of Mr Rabuka.

“Well, I think the matter is entirely up to the Prime Minister.”

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj