Barbara Malimali, the former Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and a respected legal expert, has recently lauded the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for its diligent and independent review of police files connected to the Commission of Inquiry. In a post shared on social media, Malimali expressed her appreciation for the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions and her team’s decision to involve senior state prosecutors who had no previous ties to her, ensuring impartiality in the processes.
Malimali emphasized that the investigation files underwent several rigorous evaluations before being sent to Ian Lloyd KC for an independent assessment. She praised Lloyd’s formidable credentials, noting his past as a judge in the pivotal Qarase v Bainimarama case and his status as King’s Counsel since 1989. Additionally, she highlighted his role as the inaugural General Counsel for the New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption, lending weight to his expertise in handling such significant matters.
In her remarks, Malimali addressed prevalent misconceptions among the public, advising against comparisons between Lloyd’s vast legal experience and those of individuals with questionable credentials. She also urged a reassessment of the narratives surrounding her former appointment at FICAC, particularly the notion that her role was to shield politicians from scrutiny. Instead, she posited that it is essential to reflect on who truly gains from her exit and the existing underutilization of the commission’s potential.
Malimali provocatively questioned the implications of FICAC focusing on politicians and junior civil servants, pointing out the risks posed to broader issues such as corruption and drug-related crime. Her statements emphasize the crucial importance of having strong anticorruption institutions that can effectively tackle systemic challenges and bolster public integrity.
As discourse in the public sphere increasingly revolves around these vital issues, there emerges a promising prospect for reform and the enhancement of integrity mechanisms within Fiji’s governmental frameworks. The commitment to prosecutorial independence and a proactive approach towards anticorruption could herald a new chapter in the battle against corruption in Fiji.