Fiji’s Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, has urged the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to investigate the unauthorized disclosure of a confidential letter detailing recommended charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. The letter, dated September 5 and sent to Turaga by former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, has been circulated extensively on social media.
The document indicated that FICAC had completed its investigation and suggested charges against Prasad for not declaring all assets, income, and liabilities before the last General Election. This incident occurred just after Barbara Malimali’s controversial appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4, which has since led to the case being postponed.
Speaking from Australia, Puleiwai criticized Turaga’s inquiry into the leak. She noted that the original letter, printed on white paper, was sent to the Minister for Justice, with copies also distributed to the Attorney-General, the President, and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). In contrast, the office keeps a different version printed on blue paper and emphasized that the commissioner is not privy to the originals sent out.
Malimali’s appointment has drawn significant criticism, particularly because she was under investigation by FICAC at the time of her appointment. In response to public and media backlash, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to look into the details of her appointment. A paper outlining the COI’s scope and mandates is set for discussion in Cabinet.
However, concerns have emerged regarding the independence of the inquiry, given that some Cabinet members are under FICAC investigation. Rabuka stated the inquiry would address allegations of ministerial interference, the procedure behind Malimali’s appointment, and threats made against Puleiwai.
Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed apprehensions about potential conflicts of interest stemming from Cabinet’s involvement in defining the COI’s terms of reference. He criticized Rabuka’s claim that the appointment process was legal and involved the JSC, asserting that such claims could mislead the public and prematurely influence the inquiry’s outcomes. Chaudhry also pointed out the legitimacy concerns surrounding Malimali’s appointment, particularly since she was under investigation at that time. He has highlighted the need for broader governmental support to ensure the safety of Puleiwai should she return to Fiji for the inquiry.