Malimali and Fotofili Removed from FICAC

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has rescinded the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), following recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into her appointment.

In a statement issued today, the Prime Minister said the President’s decision was based on legal advice from constitutional expert Professor Phillip Joseph KC and reflects the first recommendation in Chapter 8 of the COI report.

“His Excellency has decided to rescind Ms. Barbara Malimali’s suspension and also revoke her appointment as Commissioner of FICAC,” Rabuka said.

The President has also revoked the appointment of Mr. Lisiate Fotofili as Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC.

This follows the withdrawal of an earlier decision to rescind his appointment and return him to his substantive judicial role.

“Instead of reinstating him to his judicial post, His Excellency has revoked Mr. Fotofili’s acting appointment, in accordance with the same COI recommendation,” the Prime Minister said.

Both decisions took effect immediately.