Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka today confirmed that President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has implemented key recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the appointment of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner.

Following the submission of the COI Final Report on 14 May 2025, which spans 648 pages including annexures, the following actions were taken under Sections 81 and 82 of the Constitution:

• Ms. Barbara Malimali has been suspended as FICAC Commissioner pending police investigation into allegations cited in the report.
• Ms. Lavi Rokoika has been appointed Acting FICAC Commissioner, effective immediately.
• Mr. Lisiate Fotofili’s appointment as Deputy Commissioner has been rescinded, and he returns to his substantive position within the judiciary.

The handover was completed this afternoon at FICAC Headquarters in Suva, with Ms. Rokoika formally assuming the acting role.

Prime Minister Rabuka urged the public to be patient, stating:

“I am committed to the release of the report, which is funded by the people of Fiji. However, this will be done in a manner that ensures investigations are not prejudiced, civil rights of accused persons are respected, and the rule of law is maintained.”