The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has addressed assertions made by its former Acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, who claimed there was interference from the Coalition Government, calling those statements inaccurate.
In a statement issued this afternoon, FICAC affirmed that there has been no interference from the current Coalition Government or any political party in any of its investigations or ongoing cases, emphasizing that all procedures have been meticulously followed.
This clarification follows Puleiwai’s earlier remarks suggesting that the interference originated from former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, rather than the current administration. FICAC referred to a letter of complaint from Sayed-Khaiyum to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere sent in April 2024, although the letter’s current status is unknown.
In response to Puleiwai’s allegations that ministers had reached out to her directly to discuss complaints against them, FICAC explained that such interactions do not automatically equate to interference. They highlighted that individuals involved in cases are entitled to rights under the Constitution, including the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
FICAC reiterated its commitment to handling complaints with urgency, typically completing assessments within seven working days of receipt. However, the duration of investigations can vary; some may take between 14 to 21 days, while cases based on intelligence, such as bribery investigations, can often be resolved within just a few days.
Additionally, FICAC acknowledged that recent leadership and staffing changes have affected the speed of investigations but assured the public of its dedication to resolving outstanding cases and maintaining its independence as mandated by law.