Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed claims that the termination of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner Barbara Malimali was prompted by a letter from the RFMF Commander.
Responding to questions from this newspaper regarding whether Malimali’s dismissal was a consequence of a meeting with Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua about the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander’s letter of concern, Rabuka stated, “No, the decision had already been made then.”
Ms Malimali was relieved of her duties earlier this week following recommendations from a Commission of Inquiry (COI) that investigated the legality of her appointment.
The COI, led by Justice David Ashton-Lewis, scrutinised the processes surrounding Ms Malimali’s appointment and raised concerns about potential procedural irregularities.
The COI’s report has been submitted to the President of Fiji, and further actions will be determined based on its recommendations.
