Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga may have stirred controversy within the Coalition Government by labeling the media’s coverage of the FICAC (Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption) saga as an “obsession.” During a recent parliamentary session, Turaga was asked for his views on the ongoing FICAC controversy and promptly dismissed it, questioning, “What’s this obsession with this FICAC controversy?” He also refuted allegations of ministerial interference.
The FICAC, which serves as the country’s primary anti-corruption institution, has garnered significant attention in recent months, particularly surrounding the appointment of its commissioner, Barbara Malimali. At the time of her appointment, Malimali was under investigation by FICAC itself. She was appointed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere based on a recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in consultation with Government legal adviser Graham Leung. Both entities have defended the process leading to her appointment.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has openly criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for failing to address these issues promptly. The Cabinet is set to convene today at the Office of the Prime Minister to discuss the agenda, including the possibility of establishing a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the inconsistencies surrounding the FICAC controversy.