The Fiji Times is now the Pravda of Fiji – the local equivalent of the official communist party newspaper of Soviet times – the voice of the government just as the Fiji Sun used to be the local Pravda until their roles reversed after the last election.
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the great pastime of “Kremlin Watchers” was to scan the pages of Pravda and try to read between the lines – including who in the hierarchy was “in” and who had fallen out of favour. And so it is in Fiji with the Coalition propagandists at Butt Street, who routinely promote the stories the government wants promoted and ignore the stories they don’t.
So to this Coalition Watcher, it is highly significant that having ignored successive stories about “Barbie-gate” – the scandal that has enveloped the mangy head of FICAC, the corruption watchdog – the Fiji Times has now gone into overdrive by splashing the saga over Pages 1,2 and 3. If it was the Soviet Union, you’d know that she was being cut loose – the blowtorch of unflattering coverage in the state media organ as a prelude to the axe.
The Times is now clearly siding with the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, as he doubles down on his calls for an official inquiry into what he has described as a “rotten” process in the selection of Barbara Malmali as FICAC Commissioner. And it is lining up with the PM against those who claim there was nothing untoward about her appointment – his Attorney General, Graham Leung, plus Salesi Temo, the Acting Chief Justice and head of the Judicial Services Commission that appointed Malimali, and Barbie’s cheer squad in the ODPP, including John Rabuku, who now also better watch his step.
Sorry, gang. Pravda has cut you loose. And from what the Prime Minister is still insisting, there is going to be an official inquiry of some sorts that supposedly establishes the facts once and for all. And, of course, Barbara Malimali has taken a fresh hit from an old scandal that has suddenly leapt out of closet – her drunken shananigans in Tuvalu that derailed a criminal trial there and that we covered in detail in our previous article.
The Prime Minister has received support from an unlikely source – the former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum. The now private citizen has sided with Sitiveni Rabuka in saying there is no constitutional impediment to establishing a formal inquiry into the circumstances of Barbara Malmali’s appointment and the removal of the FICAC Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai. ( see below)
Suddenly, Puleiwai is all over the Fijian media – including the Butt Street Pravda – with her explosive allegations about ministerial interference in FICAC and questioning how “Bad Barbie” could have possibly been installed as her boss when there was an active FICAC investigation into her conduct as Chair of the Electoral Commission.
UPDATE: A MUST WATCH FOR EVERY FIJIAN. FOR FRANCIS PULEIWAI’S FULL 33 MIN INTERVIEW WITH ABC, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK. REMOVED FROM FACEBOOK FOR SOME REASON BUT STILL AVAILABLE ON TIKTOK. PREPARE TO BE SHOCKED TO THE CORE…
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS2gbqBmx
If I were Graham Leung and Salesi Temo today – and especially if I were Barbara Malimali – I would have a very sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. And so should the Chief Registrar, Tomasi Bainivalu, and Malimali’s Counsel, the President of the Fiji Law Society, Wylie Clarke. Because if what Francis Puleiwai alleges is true, there has been a grave attempt to pervert the course of justice – the apotheosis of corruption to block the FICAC proceedings against Barbara Malimali and the Deputy Prime Minister and NFP leader, Biman Prasad.
It is also clear that the Prime Minister understands precisely the gravity of what has occurred. And that the government’s megaphone, the Fiji Times, is reflecting that concern. Because just as in the old days in the Soviet Union, the state’s propaganda organ wouldn’t now be giving this scandal blanket coverage if there was any chance of the cabal who tried to install Malimali prevailing. It is them against the Prime Minister and we now know that an inquiry is almost certain to proceed.
Of course, there’s every chance that inquiry will be a whitewash – a stitch-up – which confirms that Barbara Malimali was the “best choice to head FICAC” and that Francis Puleiwai deserves her exile in Australia, the local equivalent of Siberia. But would anyone now bet their house on it?
When the first three pages of the Fiji Times (The Fiji Sun doesn’t publish on Sundays) is taken up with Francis Pulewai reinforcing Sitiveni Rabuka’s contention that the system is “rotten” and the PM doubles down on an inquiry, the smart money is now on Barbara Malimali being shown the door. And for Graham Leung and Salesi Temo ( plus Barbie’s glee club at the ODPP) to wind up with a great deal of egg on their faces. Or worse.
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Pages 1, 2 and 3…
Now the stories in detail…
The Prime Minister’s renewed call for an inquiry…
Would John Rabuku – the Deputy DPP – care to double down on his Facebook comment that the Prime Minister doesn’t know what he’s talking about? Talk about treading on thin ice.
And guess who’s supporting the PM?
The now former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai’s specific allegations against specific individuals and institutions, in her interview with ABC News, are damning to say the least.
The Prime Minister should immediately, institute a Commission of Inquiry as provided for under the Commission of Inquiry Act, if he wants to instill public confidence and show a practical commitment to the rule of law, constitutionalism and the independence of Constitutional offices and institutions.
The Prime Minister must also do so because such matters have an enormous negative impact on investments, investor confidence, and overall on the economy. Our economy is not growing at the rate it should be, and there is rapid growing disparity between the rich and the poor.
The Prime Minister must further do so because our credentials, credibility, and standing in regional and international community, together with our development partners and international agencies, are at stake.
And for those who have recently said that there is no constitutional avenue for a Commission of Inquiry, they are wrong. The Commission of Inquiry confined to the specific allegations in its terms of reference would not in any way interfere with any of the independent Constitutional processes.
However, for the Commission of Inquiry to have any credibility, members of the Commission cannot be picked from those already prejudiced, tainted with bias or are close to any of the individuals implicated in the allegations. Just as importantly, the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry also cannot be drafted by any such persons.
If these conditions are not met in the setting up of a Commission of Inquiry, then any other Commission of Inquiry will be a mere stunt, and a travesty. It will further exacerbate an already ailing state of affairs.
The Prime Minister must arrest the situation. It is time for him to show all Fijians and all our development partners that he is, above all, committed to the rule of law, safeguarding the independence of institutions and the separation of powers as provided for in the Fijian Constitution. Our reputation as a reputable and viable nation-state is in his hands – the ball is in his court.
Ed Sysahan says
…”scandal that has enveloped the mangy head of FICAC!”
I love it. 🤣😅🤣
Always wondered where the word, maji, as in, ulu-maji came from. 😜
Jonathan Santiago Roa says
GD
Para 6 of Khaiyum’s “statement” ….makes it quite clear that those who have expressed an opinion on Malimali’s standing must be barred from taking part in setting up of the proposed “inquiry “, thus virtually ruling out the current bunch of Mafia’s who were either directly or indirectly involved in her recruitment is a powerful argument.
Therefore, an independent, impartial bunch of members of a tribunal carrying out a detail fact finding investigation into the allegations against Malimali’s conduct, as well as the others who were supporting her, or had an input on her recruitment or her appointment are all excluded from setting-up the terms of reference and are bystanders. This “inquiry”, could well make a finding against the current bunch of the “Mafiosa” and bring the whole government down. Khaiyum may well have an hidden agenda in suggesting as he does!
Anonymous says
J. Roa: please do tell re: ASK possiblen hidden agenda.
Elaborate. Put up or cock up.
Tired of the same old tropes blaming the messengers. Tell/explain what/how ASK will benefit fromnthe clown show, shitshow extraordinaire.
The guy is not in politics anymore. The party he represented/founded is dead/defunct.
Xparty memebers in parliamenthave shamelessly betrayed the party and the single largest cross section of voters of any party for 30 pieces.
Greed, shameless refusal to follow (x)party directives to refuse pay increases, accepting freebies to grease his palms yet again (inia on another junket, UN NY) when there is an esteemed highly regarded and highly qualified clean as a whistle ‘ambassador’ in NY.
“Hidden agenda” my aching A.
Sad Observer Scared for Fiji says
Getting harder and harder to whitewash this government’s ineptitude and corruption. Pass the popcorn….
Anonymous says
FT left out the most damning part of her interview i.e. when Pulewai described the group of lawyers coming to her office after Malimali was arrested on September 5th repeatedly saying they were “not interfering” but wanted her released. She alleges the Chief Registrar was one of those lawyers, and he allegedly gave her a verbal message (twice) from the Acting Chief Justice, which included the threat that no FICAC case would be registered in any court.
Anonymous says
An extremely clear abuse of office. Nothing vague or implied about it. Just plain and simple abuse of office. Especially if there is some evidence of the A/CJ directing the various registries to decline any filings…
Much clearer than the shoddy implied evidence against Frank and Qiliho for their alleged abuse of office.
Fred says
That’s a good point. if true it looks like a disastrous conspiracy that shows that the cover up is always worse than the crime. Who are Biman’s lawyers? Catastrophic comedy.
Anonymous says
Twitter link https://x.com/vitiempress/status/1840010739672854697?s=46&t=aqXSrccC0qOMG6VKBkC11Q
Fiji Watcher says
As I said in the previous article “Another mess created by the A/CJ and his inept Legal Services Commission. Do they ever conduct due diligence? Or is this another appointment based on nepotism and patronage?”
Is it now serious enough for the Prime Minister to advise the President to remove the A/CJ under s.82 of the Constitution?
I agree with you Graham that the spread in the very pro Fiji Times is very much a case of the paper reading the wind and the utterances from the PM. Not only is the person in question having the ground under her removed but those who selected and supported her are also now a target.
As to the Board of Inquiry I agree that it cannot be conducted by those in the selection or support of Barbara Malimali or other dubious selections like John Rabuku and the suspension of Christopher Pryde. This will eliminate most of the current judiciary and leading members of the bar.
The key is the terms of reference for the Inquiry. It needs strong terms with clear powers to inquiry and compel witnesses to attend and answer questions, with agencies required to comply with demands and requests from the Inquiry. It should be conducted in a very defined timeframe.
As to who should be the Board (3 people?), I agree with the former AG on who should not be on it. Could it be headed by the former CJ Anthony Gates? With perhaps the former deputy director of the DPP Lee Burney as counsel assisting? As to the other two members they should be of impeccable character but need not be legally qualified.
Will the PM actually do it?
If he doesn’t it will be proof of complicity and another example of rattling the sabre!
Chairwoman- Council of Vulagi Chiefs says
Fiji is a corrupt country. Has been since 1987. This is Rabuka and Speight’s Fiji. Vulagi’s should leave in droves as much as possible.
Let them have it all their way, the government, the constitution, the FRU, the national anthem, the corrupt institutions.
Let them give away the Fiji Water tax income to wealthy businesses overseas with corrupt Fiji advisors and officials who make these deals possible. And let them bask in the glory of 23.2% gdp growth as predicted by the smart Sydney economist wearing his mandraji blue suit.
Let it join PNG as an equivalent partner in distributing 99% of the country’s wealth to the self centred self interested, self proclaimed elite group.
Indigenous leadership says
Nothing will improve.
Typical Rabuka for yah all.
As again, you are all welcome if you voted for the Coalition.
The shit show will continue but let the people learn what bad leadership looks like under Rabuka. We are the indigenous people have no one to blame but ourselves.
If all goes custard just bring the other sw!ne Speight to run the next election.
Rogue law leaders says
Fiji is equivalent to the era when clown Trump was in power. Everyday there was a new level of stupidity and a leader who was lost and had nothing to contribute towards democracy. The hate flourished.
This is what is exactly happening in Fiji right now. A clown of a PM and President with rogue law enforcement and law society. All hiding and ducking for cover.
What Frances has done is beyond commendable.
Graham Davis says
Yes, she oozes integrity and credibility in this interview. Nothing contrived at all. And deeply impressive in her knowledge of her proper role at FICAC in relation to the other institutions of state and the rule of law.
Thank God we have iTaukei women of her calibre in the nation with intelligence and fortitude who are unwilling to be party to corruption. Her courage suggests to me that she is far from being a spent force in Fiji.
You go, Francis! What a legend.
Only me says
Talk to the ring. Almost as thick as the President’s.
Meta farce says
The Facebook link does not work. Has it been deleted off Facebook?
Graham Davis says
You are right. This is an outrage – a deliberate attempt to deprive people of the right to know.
Is this the government using its influence with Facebook to shut down access to information? In the same way that they had me banned from Facebook for my postings on Lynda Tabuya?
Shocking.
Try TikToK.It seems to be still working:
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS2gbqBmx
Meta farce says
That does not work either
Graham Davis says
Well, I have checked and it is working from here. Sorry but nothing more I can do.
Anonymous says
Sorry Graham but this link is not working either..m
Graham Davis says
Please note that I am banned from Facebook and cannot help you. But last time I checked the TikTok link was working.,
ROTFI’s Patriot says
Amongst all the drama, where’s our lawyer working behind the scenes to protect Baiman. He has penned an article about ‘Captain Chaos’ some time back. Wonder what’s happened to the proverbial pen.
Secondly, has anyone noticed the concerted efforts by Coalition media propagandists to report the profiles which are sharing the videos of the Puleiwai interview and secondly successfully downing it from ABC Network page. It pays to have a biased journalist contributing to and being part of the ABC/RNZ.
Sickening to say the least. Change is here you buffoons who believed that the ‘Snake’ had changed. Had it not been for social media, this chaos would be well swept under the rug-as was the case during SVT era.
Nfp voter says
The promised change is well and truly here. The corruption, interference with the Civil service appointments, judiciary, and the snake who only changed his skin are now in broad light for the Fijian voters to see.
Acting CJ needs to go says
What Frances has revealed is quite clear.
The Acting CJ and others have commanded what she should do. Conflicting the delicate space between FICAC and the judicial services.
Isn’t that similar to what Frank and Qiliho were sent to jail for?