I am not a political appointee.

This was the assertion of Fiji’s first female FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali who finally broke her silence over her appointment by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere who acted on the advice of the Judicial Services Commission.

“People can say what they want about my appointment,” said Ms Malimali.

“But I know and what has already been said by the JSC is that I was the best candidate for the role.

“The claims of me being a political appointee are not true at all and I personally take offence to that.

“It also is very irresponsible of people to question the decision of the ACJ (Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo) who is a very respected figure in the judiciary.”

She said she had expected the criticisms from political voices.

“I had expected it because it comes with the job.

“If you can’t take the critics then don’t take the job.”

Of her new role, Ms Malimali said she was still familiarising herself with the operations of FICAC.

“FICAC is a huge organisation with a lot of people.

“I am still getting to know all the different departments and people that I will be working with.

“So, I have been getting myself organised despite all that is happening outside of the organisation.”

Ms Malimali came under heavy scrutiny after her appointment was announced last Thursday.

Her appointment also raised a few questions from politicians following the resignation of former FICAC acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai on the same day.