Fiji’s Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, has requested the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to probe the release of a confidential letter that details suggested charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. The letter, dated September 5 and sent to Turaga by former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, gained significant attention on social media.
The contents of the leaked document indicated that FICAC had finalized its inquiries and proposed charges against Prasad for not disclosing all assets, income, and liabilities before the last General Election. This leak occurred just after Barbara Malimali’s contentious appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4, leading to the case being suspended.
In an interview with Fiji Sun from Australia, Puleiwai criticized Turaga’s reaction to the leaked letter, questioning why he is inquiring about its source. She explained that FICAC’s protocol involves sending original letters to the concerned individuals, while a particular blue paper version is kept in the office. According to her, the leaked document is the original, printed on white paper, sent specifically to the Minister for Justice, and copies were also distributed to the Attorney-General, the President, and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), making it clear that the commissioner did not have access to this letter.
Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Commissioner has drawn significant criticism, especially since she was under FICAC investigation during the time of her promotion. In response to public backlash, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced the initiation of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to scrutinize the conditions surrounding her appointment. A Cabinet meeting is scheduled to review a report detailing the scope and objectives of the COI.
There are growing concerns regarding the independence of this inquiry, particularly because some Cabinet members are currently undergoing FICAC investigations. Rabuka stated that the inquiry will focus on claims of ministerial interference, the appointment process for Malimali, and any threats issued against Puleiwai.
Former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, expressed apprehension about potential conflicts of interest if Cabinet members are tasked with defining the COI’s terms of reference. He criticized Rabuka’s claim that the appointment process was lawful and conducted with the involvement of the JSC, suggesting that such assertions could mislead the public and compromise the inquiry’s integrity.
Chaudhry raised further concerns regarding Malimali’s legitimacy with respect to the JSC’s decision, especially considering her ongoing investigation at the time of the appointment. He also emphasized that further assurances regarding Puleiwai’s safety are essential, advocating for stronger support from government officials to ensure her protection should she return to Fiji for the inquiry.