The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has addressed allegations made by its former Acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai, who claimed there was interference from the Coalition Government. FICAC described these assertions as incorrect.
In a statement issued this afternoon, FICAC maintained that the Coalition Government and any political party have not interfered in its investigations or ongoing cases, emphasizing that all protocols have been followed diligently.
These comments come after Puleiwai suggested that any interference was tied to the actions of former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, not the current government. FICAC referenced a complaint letter from Sayed-Khaiyum to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere dated April 2024, though the outcome of that communication remains unclear.
FICAC responded to Puleiwai’s allegations that ministers had reached out to her regarding complaints against them, stating that such inquiries do not automatically qualify as interference.
The commission highlighted that all individuals involved in cases are protected under the Constitution, retaining the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
FICAC stressed that complaints are treated with urgency, typically processed from filing to assessment within seven working days. However, the length of investigations can differ, with some cases resolved in 14 to 21 days, while intelligence-driven inquiries, like those involving bribery, may conclude within days.
Additionally, FICAC acknowledged that recent changes in leadership and staffing have affected the speed of investigations but reassured the public of its dedication to finalizing pending cases while upholding its independence according to the law.