The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has officially closed five notable cases involving high-profile individuals. The cases pertained to former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh, former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem, and former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. These matters were referred to FICAC by Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa earlier this year.
FICAC notified Mataiciwa of the case closures on July 24. In announcing the closure of Bainimarama’s case, FICAC indicated that the investigations revealed insufficient evidence to support the allegations made by the complainant. The findings also indicated that certain allowances received by parliament members are exempt under the Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation of 2016, while per diem allowances, associated with the performance of duties, are not recognized as exempt under the Income Tax Act.
Regarding Sayed-Khaiyum, FICAC reiterated that the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act of 2013 did not specifically clarify the types of income that political party office holders should declare. FICAC has made recommendations to the Fijian Elections Office to revise and strengthen such areas to avoid future complications and enhance clarity during investigations.
FICAC stated that the other matters referred by Mataiciwa remain ongoing, and therefore, no further comments would be made until the investigations are complete. The commission emphasized that its operations continue as usual, and it handles all complaints with the diligence they merit, irrespective of the individuals involved.