Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption Commissioner Barbara Malimali has been suspended with immediate effect as pending investigation by the Fiji Police Force of allegations against her raised in the Commission of Inquiry Report.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced this in a statement.
“Ms. Barbara Malimali has been suspended with immediate effect as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption pending investigation by the Fiji Police Force of allegations against her raised in the COI Report,” said Mr Rabuka.
“Ms. Lavi Rokoika has been appointed with immediate effect as Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.”
“Mr. Lisiate Fotofili’s appointment as Deputy Commission of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has been rescinded with immediate effect and he returns to his substantive position in the Fiji Judiciary.”
“Ms. Malimali and Mr. Fotofili received their letters respectively this afternoon and undertook the handing over process to the Acting Commissioner Ms. Lavi Rokoika.”
Mr Rabuka added Ms Rokoika has assumed office as Acting Commissioner of FICAC and met with Ms. Malimali, Mr. Fotofili and FICAC Managers at the FICAC Headquarters in Suva this afternoon.
“I ask the people of Fiji to remain patient as we carefully map the implementation of the COI Report.”
“I am committed to release of the report which is funded by the people of Fiji.”
“However, this will be done in a manner to ensure that investigations are not prejudiced, civil rights of accused persons are respected and the rule of law maintained.”
