Despite being exonerated of any wrongdoing by the Ashton- Lewis Commission of Inquiry into the Malimali Affair, the former acting deputy FICAC Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai is paying a heavy price for taking a stand for justice.
Not only was she forced to flee Fiji just in time to avoid an illegal stop-departure order placed on her by Barbara Malimali, Francis Puleiwai is being punished for having the temerity to write to the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, asking him to suspend the corrupt Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, who the COI accuses of obstruction of justice, perjury and abuse of office.
Having indicated that Puleiwai could return to FICAC after he sacked Barbara Malimali over the 17 counts of wrongdoing the COI has found against her, the Prime Minister now says that won’t be happening. Why? Because of Francis Puleiwai’s conduct since the COI, which can only be the letter she sent the PM calling for the CJ’s suspension, which is what Justice David Ashton-Lewis recommended Rabuka consider in the first place.
It is an extraordinary and deeply worrying about-face on the part of the Prime Minister, who appears to be now siding with his high chief – the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu ( who is related to Salesi Temo by marriage) – to keep the Chief Justice in place when has been exposed so glaringly in the COI Report for allegedly obstructing justice. How? By unlawfully conveying a message to Francis Puleiwai before she was unceremoniously removed that no charge she laid, including against Biman Prasad, would be heard by any court in Fiji.
So having instructed Justice Ashton-Lewis to “identity the crocodiles in the swamp” responsible for the “rotten circumstances” of Barbara Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner, the Prime Minister is now siding with, and protecting, the biggest crocodile of all – the Chief Justice.
It breaks all the undertakings that Sitiveni Rabuka has made that the recommendations of the COI would be implemented, not only to the Judge himself but also to the Fijian people and figures of stature such as the Commander of the RFMF, Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai.
Never mind the stitch-up to protect those named adversely in the COI Report, the Prime Minister now seems to be permitting, if not spearheading, a stitch-up to prevent the major recommendations from being implemented.
It is a direct assault on the rule of law that makes a mockery of Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to set up the Inquiry in the first place – the dreaded “Snake” who once bared his fangs slithering off into the undergrowth, leaving the crocodiles in place to continue to undermine the criminal justice system.
Let’s make this all very simple by going through the various strands of evidence piece-by-piece. First the principal COI recommendation relating to Francis Puleiwai:
That recommendation came with a finding by Justice Ashton-Lewis that Francis Puleiwai was blameless. And that she was totally justified in arresting Barbara Malimali for alleged abuse of office as head of the Electoral Commission.
The COI – in stark contrast – found that the Chief Justice was far from blameless. And yet he has escaped being brought to account and remains in office despite the following devastating finding against him.
Incredibly, this is the email the Prime Minister sent Francis Puleiwai from his personal email account after he received the COI’s findings.
Yet six weeks on, the tables have turned in the most dramatic fashion. For daring to mirror the call by the COI for the suspension of the Chief Justice, Sitiveni Rabuka has turned on Francis Puleiwai.
And the following is what has brought Francis Puleiwai unstuck – what senior members of the legal profession describe as a completely legitimate request to the Prime Minister to suspend a Chief Justice who has been found by a Supreme Court Inquiry to have issued an unlawful instruction to her and in the process, perverted the course of justice.
For Francis Puleiwai to have suffered for sending this letter to the Prime Minister is an outrage. She is the wronged party and the COI evidently envisaged her at least being given the opportunity to return to FICAC to continue to perform her duties as a corruption watchdog with diligence and integrity.
Instead, she is being cast aside by the Snake. And the corrupt Chief Justice, who is bereft of integrity, gets to remain at the pinnacle of the judiciary to continue to corrupt the criminal justice system from within.
The whole thing stinks to high heaven. And all the Fijian people can do in the face of this travesty is to use their votes at next year’s election to punish these conspirators who are undermining our most important institutions and choose a government that will genuinely clear the crocodiles from the swamp.
Characteristically, The Prime Minister also does his usual Pontius Rabuka routine when it comes to the demand by Barbara Malimali that she be compensated for his decision to sack her by receiving $2-million of taxpayer funds. Nothing to do with me, goes the old line, it’s now all in the courts.
But here’s an important piece of intelligence, Fiji. Grubsheet understands that the New Zealand government has offered to send a Kings Counsel to Suva to represent the State in the case Barbara Malimali has brought for a judicial review of the decision to sack her. Not just identify an appropriate KC but pay for his services. Yes, you heard that right. New Zealand taxpayers would help the Rabuka government win the case against Barbara Malimali.
What does that tell us? That the New Zealand government recognises the integrity of the Ashton-Lewis COI and its processes and is keen to assist the Rabuka government to implement its recommendations.
But guess what, Fiji? Grubsheet also understands that the government isn’t taking up the opportunity. It is ignoring New Zealand’s offer to send and pay for a top level KC to argue the case against Malimali’s lawyer, Tanya Waqanika. Which certainly lends weight to the widespread suspicion that even with the best chance of winning, the government intends to avoid a fight in the courts next week by paying Barbie her $2-million.
No wonder Tanya Waqanika has been so cocky on social media, admitting that she hasn’t even read the full COI Report and its findings of 17 separate “possible offences” on the part of her client – including abuse of office (three counts), making a false statutory declaration (seven counts), perjury (two counts), forgery, violating the electoral laws, witness tampering, false representation and perverting the course of justice.
Incredibly, Tanya Waqanika then proceeds to join the lamentable Charlie Charters in his outrageous campaign to smear the Judge with a story that alleges that Justice Ashton-Lewis said that “black women look better naked”.
“Black women look better naked? Was that a finding of fact, Tanya? Because one thing is certain. You must be pretty confident of winning your case in the High Court to be so injudicious in your comments as the hearing approaches.
Oh, I forgot. There will be no hearing because your iTaukei mates in government are going to settle the case with Barbie and pay her the $2-million. Plus your hefty fees, no doubt
Here’s the whole posting for those who can bear to read it.
And guess what again, Fiji? The aforementioned Martin Daubney is said to be an old mate of the President of the Fiji Law Society, Wylie Clark – who receives a drubbing in the COI Report – and was regularly briefed by him. That’s why Barbie’s glee club that includes Wylie Clarke wanted Daubney and not David Ashton-Lewis to preside over the COI and why they are targeting the Judge so mercilessly. Corrupt to the core.
And finally, Fiji, here’s another reason – two million reasons, in fact – to expect that Barbara Malimali is about to be paid a great deal of your money to go away with her notoriously big mouth firmly shut.
Remember when John Rabuku was Acting DPP last year and three Supreme Judges said he wasn’t entitled under the Constitution to hold the position because he’d been found guilty of professional misconduct by the Independent Legal Services Commission?
The “Crooning Stallion” was forced to stand down. Yet Grubsheet understands that, incredibly, the Judicial Services Commission headed by Salesi Temo paid him “compensation” of $200,000. Yes, you read that right. $200k for not being entitled legally to hold the job in the first place.
Soon afterwards, John Rabuku’s mate – his replacement as Acting DPP, Nancy Tikoisuva – rehired him at the ODPP as Deputy DPP. Because being found guilty of professional misconduct doesnt bar anyone constitutionally from being “Deputy Dawg”.
So small wonder that John Rabuku sports a permanent grin on his face nowadays. He only has 200,000 reasons to do so. Whereas his friend, Barbara Malimali, will soon have 2,000,000 reasons to put the smile back on her face.
The crocodiles are having a ball, Fiji, especially as their confidence grows that the Snake doesn’t have the balls to bring their party to an end.
That party will rage on until the music stops with the next election. And rest assured it will all be at your expense.
POSTSCRIPT:
The COI Findings against the Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, in detail. But he gets to keep his job and Francis Puleiwai loses hers. Justice Fiji-style.
NOTE TO READERS:
I apologise for repeatedly using the word “incredible” to describe the events I have outlined. But is there any other word for this debacle?
Tanya isn’t one for reading. She is substandard at best. In Rabaku’s corruption ridden Fiji, parasites like Tanya, Malimali, Rabuku and Baiman thrive. That’s how far standards have fallen.
After a generous offer from NZ to provide Fiji with FREE Kings Counsel to save the State from paying the 2 million compensation to the proven liar who was illegally appointed to do a job she was not qualified for and should never have been considered for, New Zealand would be more than expected to halt any more monetary handouts to this country.
If they don’t, then they are rewarding bad behaviour, the same as the present government.
Oh, and by the way, there is a case to answer from Rabuka regarding the job offer that he has now rescinded to Puleiwai. Breach of contract.
So is Ms Francis Puleiwai also entitled to a hefty compensation if she files her matter before the courts in Fiji???
Rabuka’s stance should not surprise anyone. The only thing consistent about the man is his ‘inconsistency’. He thinks he is being clever with his deception and lies, but the people of Fiji will have the last laugh come 2026.
One of the biggest mistakes the people made at the last election was to trust a coup-maker, a man dressed in sheep’s clothing claiming he had changed. That is a lesson learnt for many of us.
He thinks the ethno-nationalism agenda will see him through, but believe me many of us younger itaukeis are not stupid. We have seen the world and believe in values and principles which Rabuka and his coalition are bereft of.
It is costing us as a nation, both financially and in terms of credibility but for now tRabuka and his fat cats are making hay while the sun shines.
Not surprising at all. Of all the puppets he puts in high positions to deliver his agenda (to enrich the elite and take Fiji back to the dark ages), he’ll only sacrifice the bare minimum he’s backed into a corner to sacrifice.
I wonder if Barbie threatened to spill the beans and this $2m is a pay off to make her a silent fall guy. Sets an interesting precedent for the other puppets watching what their fate may one day be.
Remove them all – all a liability to the people of Fiji.
Tanya should know better – SHAME ON YOU!
The Fiji Government should take the NZ offer for a KC to fight its case and jail the two unethical lawyers.
They are using their indigenous DNA to protect their own rights when we are all the same! No one is above the LAW!
Vinaka GD
Why is the State so quick to agree to negotiate an out-of-court settlement in the Malimali case?
Is it that they can’t defend the President’s actions? Or has the President himself requested this form of resolution? Alternatively, is there a possible arrangement between Rabuka, Temo, and Naiqama to shield Malimali—who is facing 17 serious allegations?
Something about this situation doesn’t add up.
It is called buying silence. It is like the mafia and mobsters. Fiji is full of them. Not just drug dealers but the iTaukei mafia. It is now going to be the norm. You know how the mobsters in the movies all go to church. Maybe the mobsters in Fiji are watching too many Italian mafia moofies.
Of course Rambo would say Puleiwai’s action has cast doubts on her suitability for the role, because she is honest, follows the rule of law, doesn’t bow down to people who want to steer her in the wrong direction for their own good and is not corrupt and morally bankrupt like Rabuka and the rest of his cohorts.
Francis Pulewai can take legal action for “Constructive Dismissal” and she has every chance of succeeding in the courts.
However, for Malimali its not the same. Malimali’s appoint as FICAC Commissioner is a “contract” between the Goverment and her (employment Contract). A contract is only enforceable if it meets all the essential elements. There has to be a consideration and a promise to perform in exchange. The essential elements have to be something which is legal. Anything which is illegal renders the contract being unenforceable.
Example a person “A” promises to sell drugs (meth) for $10.00 to person “B” and “B” gives $10 to “A”. Person “A” fails to give person “B” the drugs. A fails to honour the contract. B will not be able to succeed in Court case for breach of contract as the sale/supply of drug itself is illegal.
So back to the current case. The appointment of Malimali is illegal as she did not fulfill or meet the requirements. She cannot plead that she was appointed by the President as recommended by the JSC. An unenforceable/voidable contract is a valid agreement that, due to certain legal deficiencies or circumstances, a court will not enforce. This means that while the parties may have intended to create a legally binding agreement, and the contract may even appear valid on its face, a court will not provide a remedy if one party fails to uphold their obligations.
A voidable contract is a valid agreement that can be canceled or enforced by one or more parties due to specific legal reasons. Unlike a void contract, which is invalid from the outset, a voidable contract is initially valid but can be terminated by one party if certain conditions are met, such as fraud, duress, or lack of capacity. The failure of the vetting process is a separate issue of negligence/ corruption etc. The Gov. should not proceed with settlement but defend the case. It’s not that simple to get compensated.
To Anonymous
As I had suggested the other day, without knowing the full facts of Malimali’s complaints against her dismissal, but applyling some common sense legal principles, Malimali’s suspension would seem to have been a fair one but her dismissal was probably “procedurally flawed”, due to the Prime Minister’s intervention. The PM’s actions had breached Malimali’s employment protection or her legal rights.
Having said that, a court can still consider that her dismissal might have been unreasonable or procedurally flawed but the allegations against her were so serious that she would have been dismissed anyway (because of the adverse findings made against her in the CoI Report) and therefore she is not entitled to any compensation. One can still win a civil claim but receive ZERO compensation because they were responsible for their own misfortune, as I see the Malimali case. (The contributor factor (her conduct and capability issues) leading to her dismissal). I agree with you that the gov’t must defend this case.
As I said in an earlier post on the conduct of the PM, he is spineless when it comes to the hard decisions. As is the President.
Rabuka should have the nickname of RACO (Rabuka Always Chickens Out)!
The corruption of Fiji’s legal system, and with it the reputation of the legal system once seen as being fair and unbiased, continues under the guidance of the CJ and his handpicked corrupt cabal.
Next we will see the reinstatement of Barbara Malimali as the FICAC Commissioner. And then those who gave evidence to the COI that she and others named in the report don’t like will be subject to arrest and prosecution by her and the corrupt officers at the ODPP. Not possible you say? Nothing is beyond this corrupt Government!
If that occurs, then Fiji’s reputation will be totally trashed.
I wonder if Barbara Malimali was able to sue the Tuvalu Government when she was found guilty of professional misconduct there and barred from practicing. Didn’t that tarnish her reputation? Curious.
Cronyism, Corruption, and the Steady Decline of Fiji’s Governance and Economy
Since the first coup on 14 May 1987, led by Sitiveni Rabuka, Fiji has endured a turbulent political path — one that continues to undermine the nation’s development and stability. At the heart of this decline lies a persistent culture of cronyism and political nepotism, entrenched deeply in the country’s leadership structures.
Fijian politics has become a revolving door of elites — largely composed of close family members, associates, and allies of those in power — who often prioritize personal gain over public service. Regardless of who holds office, there is a consistent pattern: trusted insiders are installed in key positions, allegedly to shield illegal dealings and maintain control. This network of favoritism has eroded public trust and weakened institutional checks and balances.
Over the decades, each indigenous-led administration has seen a striking increase in personal wealth for those close to power, while ordinary Fijians struggle under the weight of a declining economy. Meanwhile, national productivity has dropped sharply. What was once a relatively self-sufficient agricultural and manufacturing economy has become overly dependent on tourism, foreign aid, borrowing, and remittances from Fijians abroad.
This is not sustainable.
The government’s increasing reliance on borrowed money to fund recurrent expenditures, while offering little in terms of structural economic reform, is a dangerous path. Remittances, while a vital lifeline for many households, are not a substitute for strong domestic economic policy or self-reliance. With the collapse of local industries and declining investor confidence, Fiji is edging closer to long-term economic fragility.
The question is not just how long this can continue, but whether there is the political will and civic courage to change it.
Fiji needs urgent reforms — not only in how the economy is managed, but in how the country is governed. Transparency, merit-based appointments, independent oversight, and genuine anti-corruption enforcement must become the norm. Without this, we risk further alienating the next generation, driving our skilled labor overseas, and mortgaging the nation’s future.
The time to act is now. Fiji cannot afford another lost decade under the weight of political favoritism and economic mismanagement.
Here, here (it is a parliamentary sitting week after all). Well said, Mukesh.
I wonder where Mr Chaudhary sits in this assessment. After all, his son was his PA and that is nepotism. Did his personal wealth increase especially that of his children in property ownerships overseas?
Absolutely spot, Rabuka, you are making a right mess of it again !
Perhaps a way forward be for the Aussies and the Vuvale partnership take the entire RFMF, Rabuka and his fellow ex Army coup perpetrators to Australia, put them to some good use there, infact why not Fiji just become a state of Australia, that might just be the stability Fiji needs to thrive !
So Laisani Tabuakuro has today commented on someone’s article about this pmt. She says that the PM doesn’t listen to advise and that the only person he is saving is himself and wasting millions of dollars. Whilst we all know this, I wonder what gives? Interesting times ahead.
Before the last elections and to date, I have always maintained that a leopard doesn’t change its spots. I believe i also made similar comments on this site when it was operating from Facebook.
It beggars belief that some of us who are not connected to the higher echelons of Fiji and do not have much political nous could see what was in the cards for Fiji if Rabuka became PM.
I am forever perplexed that people much more smarter, politically savvy and great analysts did not see this. Or were they just extremely blind in their desire for political change in fiji that anyone would do as long as it was not Mr Bainimarama and Mr Kaiyum?
Fiji! Zimbabwe WITH the crocodiles. Those at the top will probably split the $2M and enjoy a tax free bonus. I pity my poor Fiji’s future.
The delay in investigating individuals named in the COI report appears to be a calculated move.
It allows Temo to preside over sensitive cases, gives ODPP staff time to nullify charges against those accused of abuse of office, enables the Acting FICAC Commissioner to act in line with Rabuka’s interests on pending and reopened cases, and blocks Pulewai’s return to FICAC—while Police and FICAC position themselves to claim insufficient evidence, as suggested in the COI report.
This raises a critical question about the appointment of Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika. Was her appointment procedurally valid?
According to Fijileaks (via Victor’s post), Rokoika had applied for the substantive role of Commissioner but wasn’t even shortlisted. How then did she become eligible to act in the role? Is this another case like Malimali’s—bringing in someone politically aligned?
Reports suggest Rokoika may be related to Rabuka. If so, and if she didn’t meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements (MQRs), on what grounds was she appointed?
Does Graham want Fiji to become part of Australia and all Fijian citizens to become Australian citizens?
When have I ever advocated that? I have always wanted a strong. multiracial Fiji, standing on its own feet and admired and respected throughout the world for punching above its weight.
It is the actions of iTaukei nationalists like you that has gifted Australia our best and brightest.
But I’m not a Native Fijian Nationalist. Do you not want everyone in Fiji to have a higher standard of life by becoming Australian citizens?
No, you are just bloody slack. What a stupid question.
Why can’t fijians have a higher standard of life in fiji whilst being fijian citizens @slacker is the question you should be asking your political masters not GD.
I don’t really support any politicians or parties.
Through public opinion, it may be safe to say that our so called leaders have earned the following titles as they go into next election and they will be remembered with this forever:
Rabuoka- “The Rolex Man” and “The $2million dollar man”;
Baimun – “FICAC Wanted Runaway Man”; “Sushi Man” and “Always Blame Past 16 Year Man”
Kamiikamica – “Wannabe PM and Billion Dollars Industry Dreamliner Pie In the Sky Man”
Gavouka – “Israeel Unpaid Airfare leading to Warfare Man”
Vosaarogo – “Freehold Land and Mining Going Nowhere Man”
Saashi Kiran – “Big Eye with Fake Tears Woman”
Lindaa – “Minister for Weed and Bonking”
Siromii- “AG by Luck Twice Man”
Bulitavu – “Finally Government Man” lol
Naivalarua – “Crime Unstopper Man”
Tikoduadua – “Immigration Grace Road Runaway Man”
Temoo- “Constitution Confuser Man”
Charan Jeath Jhutta- “Unnecessary Angry Beer Man”
Naupotoo – “Silent G7 Plotter Man”
Agnii – “Ferris Wheel Disaster Man”
There was a time in Fiji during Rt Mara’s time when it was said that the Alliance Party was the Methodist Church in politics, and the Methodist Church was the Alliance Party at prayer.
Ironically the COI controversy today is basically the Butt St 0800am congregation in politics. Rabuka, his side kick Colonel Raivoce, Judge Ashton Lewis, Mr and Mrs Waqanika all go there, and rub shoulders kneeling in prayer at the Holy Communion rail. But guess what, as you enter the church the Steward handing out hymn books smiling contritely is none other than Barbara Malimali. Yes, I’m not kidd’n.
But there’s more. Butt St is the richest church in the Methodist family because of the voluntary tithes paid by its adherents. So u can bet your bottom saqamoli that 10% of that $2m — a cool 200k — will end up in the collection plate at Butt St.
GD if you were still in Fiji you’d probably be sitting at the front pew of the Butt St 0800am HC service too.
Malimali is there to pray that she stays out of jail!
You mean Butt St is where the iTaukei Mafioso congregate each Sunday? It must be such a tranquil day of worship and reflection before getting back to business for the next week.