Savenaca Narube, the leader of Unity Fiji party, has described the dismissal of individuals named in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report as just the beginning. He has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to make the full COI report public and emphasized that the recommendations regarding the suspended Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Barbara Malimali, should serve as a catalyst for eliminating corruption within the government.
“The eye of the cyclone has not passed yet,” Narube cautioned, urging citizens to remain vigilant and to continue demanding transparency regarding the full report’s findings. He stressed that the government’s responsibility goes beyond just terminations; it is crucial that all implicated parties, regardless of their positions, are investigated thoroughly and held accountable.
Narube pushed for the acceleration of legal actions against the previous government, noting that it has been three years since the political shift, yet only a few minimal cases have reached the courts. He advocated for a comprehensive cleanup of corrupt practices within law enforcement and all government ministries. Additionally, he recommended that investigations halted by Malimali be reinstated and called for a strengthening of the independence and capabilities of FICAC and police agencies involved in tackling corruption head-on.
The sentiments expressed by Narube echo similar calls from political leaders and civil society groups, who highlight the need for transparency in governance—an essential expectation from citizens who funded the inquiry. Prime Minister Rabuka has previously conveyed a cautious approach concerning the report’s disclosure, emphasizing the need to protect ongoing investigations while also committing to a transparent governance system.
Public anticipation continues to grow around the implications of the COI report and its potential to foster crucial reforms in Fiji’s political landscape. As the situation evolves, the hope for greater accountability and ethical governance remains strong among citizens, reflecting a collective desire for improved integrity within the public sector.
This ongoing dialogue illustrates a moment of potential change within Fiji, where transparency and ethical leadership could ultimately restore public trust in government institutions.
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