Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Lavi Rokoika, has announced a significant new policy aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the commission’s operations. During a presentation to the parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, Rokoika revealed that a new monetary threshold has been established to prioritize high-value corruption cases. Under this system, cases that fall below a specified financial amount will be immediately referred to the Fiji Police Force, allowing FICAC to focus its resources on addressing more serious corrupt activities.
Rokoika noted that many low-value cases could consume disproportionate resources that could be better utilized in tackling substantial corruption. She remarked, “Why are we running after the small fish when there are bigger suspects out there?” This strategic shift is expected to streamline FICAC’s workload, ultimately leading to higher operational efficiency and a swifter resolution of more critical cases.
This approach builds on previous reforms underway at FICAC since Rokoika’s appointment in June. The commission has been working to alleviate a backlog of corruption cases that have hindered timely justice for years. To further enhance its performance, FICAC has already seen increased case closures since Rokoika initiated these changes. The reforms also correspond with efforts to create a complaints unit and an investigations unit to manage cases more effectively, aligning with calls from the Public Accounts Committee for a more effective handling of corruption allegations.
Parallel efforts are being made to improve the legal framework surrounding asset forfeiture, where Rokoika has advocated for legislative changes to expedite processes. Concerns were raised about current asset restraint mechanisms that are overly complex, enabling potential suspects to evade justice while waiting for approvals for asset forfeiture.
These developments at FICAC indicate a proactive approach to governance in Fiji. The commission’s ongoing internal reforms are designed not only to address the immediate backlog of corruption cases but also to foster public trust by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability. Through these efforts, there is hope for a significant improvement in the integrity and efficiency of Fiji’s public institutions, paving the way for a brighter, more ethical future in governance.
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