Malimali in custody and being questioned by FICAC from this morning

There is confirmation this morning that newly appointed FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali is currently being questioned by FICAC.

fijivillage News has received confirmation that Malimali is in custody and being questioned from earlier this morning in relation to a complaint of alleged abuse of office.

The office of the Electoral Commission was also searched for documents earlier this week.

Malimali is also the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai confirmed to fijvillage News last night that Malimali is still under investigation by FICAC although she is coming in as the FICAC Commissioner.

Puleiwai also confirms that they are proceeding with the investigation relating to some of the Ministers.

She stresses there has been no undue pressure applied on her to desist from charging a number of Ministers.

Puleiwai says she has not been asked to desist, as of today, and she was just informed yesterday afternoon that Malimali was appointed by the President.

She says the investigation into complaints with FICAC against some of the Ministers are still ongoing.

The FICAC Commissioner’s vacancy was advertised earlier this year and Puleiwai confirms that she had applied for the position.

We have sent questions to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka and Chair of the Judicial Services Commission, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo. They are yet to respond.