Fiji’s Judicial Services Commission has appointed lawyer Barbara Malimali as the new head of the country’s anti-corruption office.
Barbara Malimali is under investigation by the anti-corruption watchdog.
Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere signed off on Malimali, who is also the chairperson of the Electoral Commission.
FICAC confirmed that it is investigating Malimali for alleged abuse of office and that the Electoral Commission was searched about Malimali’s case.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry strongly denounced Malimali’s appointment.
He claimed that “undue pressure” was being put on the acting FICAC director to cease charging government ministers under investigation.
He wants Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to intervene.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar called the appointment “unbelievable and astonishing.
She called it a reminder of the deep-rooted issues within the system eroding trust.
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