Seruiratu says Malimali must resign or be suspended

Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu says FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali must resign or be suspended until the investigation against her is over.

Seruiratu says he is deeply concerned about the ongoing investigation into the matter of Malimali.

The Opposition Leader says on November 28th, the Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, laid a complaint to the Acting Police Commissioner, Juki Fong Chew, involving some very serious allegations against Barbara Malimali regarding office abuse, intimidation, and harassment of witnesses.

Seruiratu says in light of these serious allegations, Barbara Malimali must resign or be suspended until the investigation is over.

He says this is the only way to ensure transparency and that the public has confidence in our institutions.

Seruiratu says we must maintain the highest standards of accountability and integrity, especially in matters of public interest.

The Opposition Leader asks how can someone who is supposed to be the top anti-corruption official in Fiji hold this position when there are allegations of this nature against her.

Seruiratu says it is no longer a matter of her doing the right thing but of the Judicial Services Commission, as the appointing body of the Commissioner of FICAC, doing the right thing and removing her from office so that the already damaged reputation of FICAC and the JSC is salvaged.

We have sought comments from Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka and Chair of the Commission, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo.