Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has referred the matter against its Commissioner Barbara Malimali to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for further assessment.
Malimali, who is now the head of FICAC had a complaint filed against her for alleged abuse of office when she was the chair of the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF).
This comes after two weeks of continuous issues with Malimali’s appointment.
Malimali was taken in for questioning by FICAC on 05 September on the order of the then- acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai.
Following this, Malimali finally took office and has also now filed a complaint against Puleiwai.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has also spoken about the possibility of setting up a team to investigate the actions so far.
FICAC said it is operating as usual and all processes and procedures remain unchanged, adding that FICAC continues to handle every complaint, regardless of who the subject person is, with the scrutiny it deserves.
Meanwhile, five cases that were referred by the Supervisor of Elections to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) have been closed.
FICAC said that Supervisor of Election, Ana Mataiciwa was notified of the closure on 24 July.
The cases involved the alleged corrupt practices concerning FijiFirst Party False Declarations specifically against Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and one Tito Bainimarama.
Also closed was the case against Sayed-Khaiyum and Mohammed Saneem for alleged collusion as well as conflict of interest and Arif Ali for donating $10,000(US$5,000) to FijiFirst Party while being a civil servant.
Further complaints against Sayed-Khaiyum, President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, and Charan Jeath Singh were also dismissed.
Another complaint that was struck out was against Sayed-Khaiyum on failing to declare overseas travel.
A complaint against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for submitting false declarations of Income, Assets and Liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022 was also quashed.
FICAC said all other matters referred to by the SOE are still being investigated and no comments will be made until the completion of the investigation.
