News

Matter Against Malimali Referred to DPP

Posted by Media Team 19 September 2024

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has referred the matter against its Commissioner Barbara Malimali to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for further assessment. The matter is in relation to the complaint of alleged Abuse of Office against Ms Malimali during her tenure as the Electoral Chair with the Electoral Commission of Fiji (ECF).

FICAC also confirms five of the cases which were referred by the Supervisor of Elections earlier this year have been closed and the Supervisor of Elections was notified of the closure on 24 July 2024. The five cases are as follows:

1. The alleged corrupt practices concerning FijiFirst Party False Declarations specifically against Fiji First Australia Association Incorporated, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and one Tito Bainimarama;
2. The complaint against Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mr Mohammed Saneem for collusion as well as conflict of interest and Mr Arif Ali for making a donation of $10,000 to FijiFirst Party whilst being a civil servant;
3. The complaints against His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Mr Charan Jeath Singh
4. The complaint against Mr Voreqe Bainimarama for submitting false declarations of Income, Assets and Liabilities for the years 2014 to 2019 and 2022; and
5. The complaint against Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum on failing to declare overseas travel allowance.

Pertaining to the other matters referred by the Supervisor of Elections, these matters are ongoing and FICAC will not be making any comments until the completion of the investigations.

FICAC wishes to reiterate that the Commission is operating as usual and all processes and procedures remains unchanged. FICAC continues to handle every complaint, regardless of who the subject person is, with the scrutiny it deserves.