The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has clarified that a complaint against former women’s minister Lynda Tabuya, concerning her alleged failure to declare her spouse’s income, has been officially closed. This decision was made by former Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai on August 12, 2024, prior to the appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner on September 5, 2024.
In response to claims made by Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu that the closure of the case was influenced by Commissioner Malimali, FICAC firmly stated that these assertions are incorrect. The Commission emphasized that all actions regarding Ms. Tabuya’s case occurred before Ms. Malimali took office, reiterating its commitment to impartiality and evidence-based decision-making free from bias.
The matter initially stemmed from a complaint received on April 5, 2024, from the office of the Supervisor of Elections (SOE), suggesting that Ms. Tabuya did not declare her spouse’s income and business ties as mandated under section 24 of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act. An investigation led by Puleiwai began on April 24, 2024, and confirmed that Ms. Tabuya’s marriage to Robert Semaan had been legally dissolved in December 2016, leading to a recommendation for the closure of the case on August 5, 2024. The SOE was notified of this closure on September 20, 2024.
FICAC has called on the public and authorities to verify facts before making comments regarding the Commission’s operations, emphasizing its role and responsibilities.
This incident underlines the importance of transparent and unbiased governance. By maintaining a commitment to impartiality, FICAC reinforces the integrity of its work and its dedication to upholding the law without influence. As situations like this unfold, it brings hope that transparency in public office will continue to improve, fostering a culture of accountability throughout the governance system.
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