Fiji's coalition government continues to struggle at bringing democratic processes back after 16 years of dictatorship. (Supplied) Photo: ABC/Supplied
Fiji's prime minister has announced the suspension of the Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Barbara Malimali - who was also the Electoral Commission chairperson - was revealed as the new Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner last September.
The announcement was causing a stir due to it being unclear if she held the Electoral Commission chairperson role at the time of appointment - raising concerns about conflict of interest.
But then, Malimali was taken for questioning by FICAC officers. The following day, FICAC put out a statement saying Malimali was back in office and ready to lead FICAC.
The statement said that Malimali stated she would not let those events deter her from performing her duties as prescribed under the law.
Then on Thursday night, 29 May, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka posted on social media that the president had taken several actions in response to recommendations of a report by the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.
"Barbara Malimali has been suspended with immediate effect as Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, pending investigation by the Fiji police force of allegations against her raised in the COI report," Rabuka wrote.
Lisiate Fotofili's appointment as acting deputy Commissioner of FICAC has been rescinded, "and he returns to his substantive position in the Fiji judiciary", Rabuka said.
The 648-page COI report was transmitted on 14 May, his post said.
Lavi Rokoika has been appointed as acting Commissioner.
Rabuka asked for patience "as we carefully map the implementation of the COI report".
"I am committed to release of the report which is funded by the people of Fiji.
"However this will be done in a manner to ensure that investigations are not prejudiced, civil rights of accused persons are respected and the rule of law maintained."
