Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized that the Coalition Government operates under the law, which has led to the ongoing investigation into the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and its Commissioner, Barbara Malimali. Speaking to the media, Rabuka acknowledged public sentiment regarding the potential benefits of dismissing Malimali sooner to conserve costs and time for the government and citizens.
When asked about Malimali’s recent dismissal of FICAC’s Manager of Investigations, Kuliniasi Saumi, which appears to be retaliation for his testimony to the Commission of Inquiry (COI), Rabuka declined to comment further. “There is no political interference from the Government. No, the Government will not comment,” he stated.
This situation follows Malimali’s decision on Friday to terminate Saumi, prompting concerns about its impact on other witnesses involved in the inquiry. Counsel Janet Mason confirmed that the COI was aware of Saumi’s abrupt dismissal and planned to call him back for further questioning. Mason also expressed concerns that Saumi’s dismissal might deter other FICAC witnesses from offering their testimonies in the ongoing investigation.
Rabuka reassured that the COI operates independently and free from government influence once appointed by the President. This situation highlights the complex interplay between governmental authority and the safeguarding of integrity within independent commissions.
In summary, the ongoing issues surrounding FICAC and its leadership raise important questions about governance and transparency. The government’s commitment to maintaining the independence of the inquiry is crucial in ensuring public trust. There is hope that, through these investigations, accountability and integrity will be reinforced in public offices, paving the way for a more transparent political landscape in Fiji.
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