Political party leaders have urged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to personally guarantee the safety of former acting deputy commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai. Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube emphasized that Ms. Puleiwai should not be placed in a situation where she feels threatened.
Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while the Prime Minister could provide her assurance, he also needed to secure commitments from his fellow ministers and government agencies. “He alone cannot provide that assurance unless he has the support of the other branches of government,” stated Mr. Chaudhry. He added that discussions with Ms. Puleiwai are crucial for her to feel secure and to determine how she wishes to navigate this situation.
The leaders reiterated the importance of addressing the issues surrounding the FICAC appointment of Ms. Malimali and ongoing investigations into seven Cabinet ministers reported to FICAC by the Supervisor of Elections. Narube pointed out that the safety of the nation differs from the safety of whistleblowers, stressing that Ms. Puleiwai must be assured of her safety if she decides to return.
Mr. Chaudhry noted that the safety of whistleblowers has not been guaranteed in the past. “People did not feel safe, and FICAC was weaponized against government critics; we see echoes of that with the Coalition Government despite previously offered assurances,” he remarked. He expressed concern regarding Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica’s admission about discussing his own case with Ms. Puleiwai, which he deemed untrustworthy.
Both leaders agreed on the necessity of a Commission of Inquiry, with Narube declaring that the Commission and its handlers must ensure thorough questioning of everyone involved in this matter. “It is essential for the sake of transparency that the inquiry’s findings be made public,” he concluded.