The Cabinet is set to review a proposal next Tuesday aimed at forming a Commission of Inquiry regarding the recent events involving the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and will also appoint the commission’s members.
The focus of the discussion revolves around the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the FICAC Commissioner and allegations made by the former Acting Deputy Commissioner.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made this announcement during a press conference this afternoon. Rabuka emphasized that the Commission of Inquiry is crucial for the government to uphold its integrity and that of institutions such as FICAC.
“We cannot undo what has been done, but we can ensure it doesn’t happen again, and if anyone has breached any orders, laws, or regulations, we will bring that to light,” he stated.
In response to questions about threats allegedly made against Francis Puleiwai, the Former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Rabuka assured the public that his government would not adopt a heavy-handed approach or interfere in the inquiry.
Puleiwai reported that she left Fiji for Australia out of fear for her safety due to these threats. In response, Rabuka assured that Puleiwai would be safe to return to Fiji.
It remains uncertain whether the findings of the Commission of Inquiry will be made public, but the Prime Minister emphasized that the law will guide their process. He mentioned that the Cabinet will provide the commission with the authority needed for the investigation and expects it to return with recommendations.