Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that the Fijian Government will initiate reforms aimed at abolishing the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). He argues that the commission duplicates functions already performed by well-established state bodies. Rabuka shared this insight during an interview with The Fiji Times in Cakaudrove.
In his remarks, Mr. Rabuka emphasized that Fiji has sufficient mechanisms in place for investigation and prosecution, namely the police and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. “We want to make it simpler,” he stated, pointing out that there is no need for a separate investigative entity when existing institutions already fulfill those roles effectively.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reverse what the Prime Minister considers to be misguided decisions taken by the preceding government. He stressed the urgency of these reforms, indicating that without them, the negative choices of previous administrations would persist.
Legislative reforms are already in progress, with Rabuka confirming that the government is in the early stages of drafting the necessary bills. He highlighted that two key elements need to be amended: the FICAC Act itself and relevant provisions within the Constitution. The proposed changes will be presented to Parliament for discussion as part of the Government’s comprehensive reform agenda.
While the precise timeline for the legislative process and arrangements for ongoing cases remain undisclosed, these reform efforts highlight a significant shift in the approach to governance in Fiji, suggesting a commitment to streamlining state functions and enhancing the efficiency of its institutions. The announcement hints at a hopeful direction for future governance, aiming to rectify past decisions for a more effective administration.
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