Former President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere testified that he felt appointing Barbara Malimlai as FICAC Commissioner “was rapid.”
He also testified that he received a letter from acting FICAC Deputy Commissioner Frances Puleiwai on 30 August 2024, on allegations against Ms Malimali, which he referred it to the Solicitor General, but received no response.
This is stated in the Commission of Inquiry report released by government yesterday.
“His Excellency confirmed that the process of appointment was rapid. He reviewed the documents presented to him and signed the appointment without delay,” states the CoI report.
“He was not given multiple days to reflect or request independent verification”
“He acknowledged that this standard process left little room for him to interrogate the basis of the recommendation or initiate inquiries beyond the materials presented.”
“His Excellency stated that based on the documents presented to him, particularly Ms. Malimali’s curriculum vitae, he was satisfied that she was a “fit and proper person” for the role of FICAC Commissioner.”
Ratu Katonivere testified that he first learned of Ms. Malimali’s arrest on 5 September 2024, the day her appointment took effect, through a media report.
“He described feeling “bad” upon hearing the news, noting that the situation was personally and institutionally distressing.”
“He confirmed that he did not consider rescinding Ms. Malimali’s appointment, nor sought legal advice on whether this was an option, explaining that his practice was to follow the advice of the appointing institutions.”
