FORMER acting deputy commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Francis Leba Puleiwai, has formally called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to suspend Chief Justice Salesi Temo over what she describes as alleged misbehaviour and abuse of office.
In a letter dated July 3, 2025, addressed to Mr Rabuka and copied to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, Ms Puleiwai urged the government to invoke Section 111 of the 2013 Constitution to suspend the Chief Justice pending the establishment of a tribunal.
“On the morning of September 5, 2024, Chief Justice Temo issued a directive to Chief Registrar Mr Bainivalu, instructing him to attend FICAC and convey an order to me, as then the acting deputy commissioner, to release Ms Malimali,” Ms Puleiwai wrote.
“According to the COI (Commission of Inquiry) report, my conduct as acting deputy commissioner was lawful and within the scope of my authority under the FICAC Act of 2007, specifically regarding the arrest of Ms Malimali, regardless of her recent appointment.”
She said the conduct of Mr Temo falls within the definition of “misbehaviour” and needs to be investigated.
“The term ‘misbehaviour’ was discussed by the Tribunal that was also appointed by His Excellency the President, then, to investigate the allegation of ‘misbehaviour’ against the Director of ODPP, Mr Pryde.
“Section 111(3) and (4) of the 2013 Constitution authorises you to advise the President to suspend the Chief Justice pending investigation and appointment of a tribunal.
“A comparable procedure was followed in the case of the former chief justice, Kamal Kumar who was also suspended under Section 111 of the 2013 Constitution for alleged misbehaviour and to await the appointment of the Tribunal.”
Ms Puleiwai wrote that she “trust that due process will be observed and that the appropriate measures, including the suspension of the Chief Justice until the Tribunal concludes its work.”
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed receiving a complaint from Ms Puleiwai but would not divulge any specific details.
“We can confirm the receipt of an official report from Ms Puleiwai that is under investigation.
“While we cannot divulge specific details at this point in time, the Fiji Police Force maintains that all official reports received will be subject to the conduct of an investigation and the complainant provided necessary feedback.”
Questions sent to Mr Rabuka remained unanswered when this edition went to press.
