The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has reaffirmed its dedication to carrying out impartial and evidence-based investigations, following concerns raised by Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu regarding the handling of a case involving former Minister for Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya.
FICAC reported that on April 5, 2024, it received a complaint from the Supervisor of Elections alleging that Ms. Tabuya had not declared her spouse’s income and business ties as mandated by law. An investigation was initiated on April 24, 2024, under the former Acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai. The inquiry revealed that Ms. Tabuya’s marriage to Robert Semaan was legally dissolved in December 2016, leading to the recommendation for closing the case on August 5, 2024. The official closure was communicated to the Supervisor of Elections on September 20, 2024.
In response to Seruiratu’s concerns about potential biases involving FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali in this case, the Commission clarified that all actions concerning Ms. Tabuya took place before her appointment to the role, emphasizing that the allegations against Ms. Malimali are unfounded. FICAC strongly dismissed Seruiratu’s comments, noting that they undermine the integrity of the Commission’s work.
FICAC has called on the public and individuals in authoritative positions to exercise due diligence and verify facts before making statements about the Commission’s operations.
This incident highlights the importance of transparency and integrity in governance, underlining FICAC’s commitment to ensuring that investigations are conducted fairly and based on factual evidence. As the Commission continues its efforts, it seeks to bolster public confidence in its workings while promoting accountability among public officials. This reinforces the need for a robust system where integrity prevails and the public can trust the institutions meant to serve them.
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