The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has announced the closure of five significant cases involving prominent political figures. The cases included former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh, former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem, and former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. These investigations were initially referred by Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa earlier this year.
In a statement released yesterday, FICAC confirmed that Mataiciwa was informed of the closures on July 24.
Regarding the closure of Bainimarama’s case, FICAC stated that after thorough investigations and the corresponding legal opinion, there was insufficient evidence to back the complaints lodged. The findings indicated that an allowance in question is exempt according to the Income Tax (Exempt Income) Regulation 2016 Schedule (Regulation 3), which applies to all official allowances granted to Members of Parliament. Nevertheless, it was noted that Section 15 (c) of the Income Tax Act does not acknowledge any allowances related to the performance of an employee’s work duties.
In Sayed-Khaiyum’s case, FICAC found that the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013 did not specifically address the declaration of “Income and the Types of Income” by political party office holders. FICAC has provided recommendations to the Fijian Elections Office to revise and enhance relevant regulations to prevent similar issues in the future and improve the investigation process.
FICAC indicated that other matters referred by Mataiciwa remain ongoing, and the commission will refrain from commenting on them until their investigations are concluded. The commission also emphasized that it continues to operate as usual and handles all complaints with the necessary scrutiny, regardless of the individuals involved.