Allegations of political interference in a prosecution by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) have emerged from a leaked document, which appears to be part of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into the appointment of the former FICAC Commissioner. This document is currently circulating on social media and contains claims that a senior minister offered to approach the former FICAC Commissioner on behalf of a Cabinet colleague entangled in abuse of office charges.
These charges revolve around directives issued in 2023 aimed at suspending investigations into the illegal trade of protected marine species. The leaked document details that the minister, who reportedly has his own legal issues, suggested to the accused minister that he could “approach” the former commissioner to have the case withdrawn. The two individuals are said to share a personal relationship, adding another layer of complexity to these allegations.
During the inquiry, when questioned about the claims of interference, the minister allegedly denied making any such offer. The leaked documents suggest a prevalent notion of the continued “weaponization” of FICAC—an expression used to characterize the agency’s manipulation for targeting political adversaries. The report noted, “Control of FICAC continues to be seen by some as a significant prize, which once won, can be used to both target one’s political foes and to assist one’s political allies.”
Similar past reports have highlighted widespread concerns regarding the interference from government officials in FICAC’s operations. Francis Puleiwai, the former acting deputy commissioner of FICAC, previously stated that such interferences caused significant delays in their investigations, with some ministers directly contacting her to inquire about the status of complaints made against them. These dynamics raised significant concerns about FICAC’s autonomy and effectiveness as an investigative agency.
Surrounding the allegations is the broader context of ongoing investigations and political turbulence, including the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner while she was under investigation herself. The Prime Minister has faced increased pressure to release the full report of the inquiry.
Despite the challenges, the ongoing scrutiny might ultimately lead to greater transparency and accountability within FICAC, especially if the COI is permitted to operate independently and without bias from involved political figures. This situation serves as a reminder of the necessity for integrity in public institutions and the importance of ensuring that investigative bodies are free from political influence.
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