Malimali Suspended, Puleiwai Given Options

Former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption Acting Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, has been given the options of reinstatement or compensation.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed this to this masthead following the suspension of Barbara Malimali as the FICAC Commissioner yesterday.

The Commission of Inquiry report had recommended Ms Puleiwai's reinstatement following the inquiry's conclusion that the appointment of Ms Malimali by the Judicial Services Commission was illegal.

Contrary to the recommendation of the COI report that the appointment of Ms Malimali be revoked, the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, issued her suspension letter.

The COI report recommended the 'revocation' of her appointment. Revocation is the official cancellation of a decree, decision or promise. Ratu Naiqama acted on the advice of the Prime Minister as outlined under Section 81 and 82 of the Constitution.

Mr Rabuka's recommendations to the President are based on the findings of the COI.

Suva-based lawyer Lavinia Rokoika of Rokoika and Vakalalabure Lawyers is now acting FICAC Commissioner.

Mr Rabuka said Ms Rokoika would act as commissioner until the conclusion of the investigations by the police on allegations raised against Ms Malimali in the COI report.

Deputy Commissioner of FICAC Lisiate Fotofili's role was also rescinded.

The COI report was submitted on May 14, 2025, with eight chapters and 10 annexures with 648 pages.

"I ask the people of Fiji to remain patient as we carefully map the implementation of the COI report," Mr Rabuka said.

"I am committed to release the report, which is funded by the people of Fiji.

"However, this will be done in a manner to ensure investigations are not prejudiced, civil rights of accused persons are respected and the rule of law maintained."

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