Next Tuesday, the Cabinet is set to discuss a proposal for the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry regarding the recent issues surrounding the FICAC. This includes the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner and the allegations made by the former Acting Deputy Commissioner.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced this during a press conference today, emphasizing the importance of the Commission of Inquiry in maintaining the integrity of the government and institutions like FICAC.
“We cannot undo what has been done, but we can ensure it does not happen again. If anyone has violated any standing orders, laws, or regulations, they will be held accountable,” he stated.
In response to inquiries about the claims of threats made by former Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, Rabuka assured that there will be no aggressive government interference in the matter. Puleiwai has stated that she left Fiji for Australia due to safety concerns arising from these threats. Rabuka insisted that she is safe to return to Fiji.
It remains uncertain whether the findings of the inquiry will be made public, but the Prime Minister noted that the law will guide their procedures. He mentioned that the Cabinet will empower the investigation, and the commission will present its recommendations to the Cabinet afterwards.