Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has referred the case involving its Commissioner Barbara Malimali to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), while simultaneously closing five other cases involving high-profile figures including former Fiji PM Voreqe Bainimarama and former AG Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
The referral against Malimali stems from allegations of Abuse of Office during her time as Electoral Chair with the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF), FICAC stated in a statement.
This comes two weeks after Malimali took up the post which was received with mixed reactions and her subsequent arrest by her then second-in-command Francis Pulewai on her first day on the job.
Cases that have been closed involved:
- Alleged corrupt practices related to FijiFirst Party false declarations, specifically concerning Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Tito Bainimarama.
- Complaints against Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem for collusion and conflict of interest, and Arif Ali for making a $10,000 donation to the FijiFirst Party while being a civil servant.
- Complaints against President of Fiji Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Sayed-Khaiyum, and Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh.
- The complaint against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for submitting false declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022.
- The complaint against Sayed-Khaiyum for failing to declare overseas travel allowances.
FICAC had notified the Elections Office of the closure of these cases in July this year.
Meanqhile, investigations into other cases referred by the Supervisor of Elections are ongoing. FICAC has stated it will not make further comments until these investigations are complete.
“FICAC wishes to reiterate that the Commission is operating as usual and all processes and procedures remain unchanged. FICAC continues to handle every complaint, regardless of who the subject person is, with the scrutiny it deserves.”
