Former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has voiced strong criticism regarding the country’s approach to combating corruption, asserting that efforts have disproportionately targeted political opponents and minor infractions, leaving major corruption cases unresolved. In a revealing social media post honoring World Anti-Corruption Day, Malimali shared her insights from her time at FICAC, emphasizing that enforcement appears selective, remarking, “corruption is what the powers that be say it is.”
During her leadership, she noticed that the primary focus has been on pursuing minor bribery cases, while substantial corruption involving high-level officials continues unchecked. “We are going after the people who paid or received $100, $200, $300… whilst the real big fish have gone a-sailing,” she pointed out, critiquing the misallocation of resources that fails to tackle more serious issues.
Maliimali likened the climate of corruption to the pervasive drug trade, stating that the “corruption pipeline flows everywhere in high places,” which illuminates the entrenched accountability issues present within elite circles of power.
Her disappointment extends to the ongoing opacity and stagnation surrounding significant corruption cases that have persisted under various administrations at FICAC. She highlighted the unresolved nature of these allegations, naming previous commissioners George Langman and Rashmi Aslam, as well as acting commissioner Frances Puleiwai, asserting, “These cases were not resolved and remain unresolved.” This indicates a systemic failure in addressing these pressing issues.
Reflecting on her historic role as FICAC’s first female leader, Malimali conveyed that her initiatives to combat corruption were obstructed by systemic interference, describing her efforts as having been “sledgehammered by the PAUSE button.” This statement suggests possible institutional barriers that have stymied effective anti-corruption strategies.
As Fiji continues to confront its challenges with corruption, the insights of former leaders like Barbara Malimali highlight the urgent need for a renewed dedication to addressing large-scale corruption. This call for action resonates particularly with the youth, who are eager for genuine accountability and governance reform, signifying a hopeful path towards increased integrity in Fiji’s political landscape.