The Minister for Justice has criticized investigations by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that are focusing on senior Cabinet Ministers, labeling them as “acts of malice.”
Siromi Turaga indicated that an investigation will soon be initiated to find out who leaked the FICAC letter from last Wednesday, which disclosed intentions to charge Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad.
In his strong response to the situation, Mr. Turaga conceded that he also received a letter related to his own FICAC investigation.
Interestingly, Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Deputy FICAC, resigned last Thursday, stating the need to uphold “the rule of law” and to maintain her personal integrity.
Mr. Turaga remarked, “The release was actually done with malice. In the coming weeks, we will see that someone will be accountable.”
He pointed out that the investigation letter from FICAC was leaked before reaching his office, indicating a possibility of “collaboration and malice” behind the breach of confidentiality.
He further criticized the timing of the leak, which occurred just prior to the installation of the new FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali. Mr. Turaga expressed that the complaint against him should have undergone vetting by the Supervisor of Elections, a process that he claims was overlooked.
“We have been defamed over allegations that are not clear,” he stated.
Additionally, Mr. Turaga defended the selection of Ms. Malimali as the new FICAC Commissioner amid ongoing scrutiny. He affirmed that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) adhered to due process in her appointment.
“Perhaps this will shed some light on why the JSC considered it necessary to proceed with the appointment,” Mr. Turaga suggested.
JSC chairperson and Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, along with Attorney-General Graham Leung, also backed Ms. Malimali’s appointment.
In related news, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka mentioned yesterday that he is not fully aware of the scope of FICAC’s investigations.
“The only two ministers who approached me were Ravu, who is currently suspended, and Biman, who was not ultimately charged,” Mr. Rabuka stated.
“I have no involvement in the activities, appointments, or decisions related to FICAC.”