Puleiwai: 'Truth will always prevail no matter how hard you try to hide it!'

Former Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Cor­ruption (FICAC), Francis Puleiwai, has confirmed her willingness to be reinstated in her role at the anti-corruption agency.

Following the suspension of FICAC Commis­sioner Barbara Malimali on Thursday night, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed that he had written to Ms Pulei­wai presenting her the option of reinstate­ or compensation.

Ms Puleiwai on Friday night confirmed receiving communication from Prime Minister Rabuka following recommendations made in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into the appointment of Ms Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.

In an exclusive interview, Ms Puleiwai said: "I can confirm that the Honourable PM has reached out to me in light of the recommendation in the COI report."

She further revealed that she has already responded and was awaiting a reply.

Ms Puleiwai made clear her intentions moving forward.

"Yes, I am intending to return to the role and complete the work that I had been appointed to carry out," she said.

"Going forward, there is a lot of work to be done at FICAC when I retur n and through the COI, I was able to see a lot of things procedurally which we could have done better as an institution and to right all the wrong that has been done during my absence at FICAC."

She stressed that her next steps depend on the Prime Minister's response.

"I will wait on the response from the Honourable PM and then I should be able to make plans accordingly in returning home."

Addressing the broader context and public sentiment, she added, "Truth will always prevail no matter how hard you try to hide it! I will continue to praise and thank God, Lord Almighty, Jehovah for his providence."

The COI report, submitted on May 14, 2025, concluded that the appointment of Commissioner Barbara Malimali was illegal and recommended that her appointment be revoked.

However, instead of immediate revocation, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu - acting on the Prime Minister's advice under Sections 81 and 82 of the Constitution - issued a suspension notice.

Lawyer Lavinia Rokoika has been appointed Acting FICAC Commissioner while police continue investigations into allegations raised against Ms Malimali in the COI report.

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