The government has rejected allegations of intimidation and threats made by Francis Puleiwai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica addressed the matter outside Parliament, asserting that the Coalition Government will not permit any form of intimidation towards those serving as “corruption watchdogs.” He emphasized that the current government differs significantly from the previous FijiFirst administration, which was reportedly marked by widespread threats and interference.
Kamikamica called for any evidence of ministerial interference to be presented to the appropriate authorities, stating that there is too much speculation at present. He urged Puleiwai, who recently claimed that some senior lawyers and ministers had interfered with FICAC’s operations, to bring her allegations to light through the proper channels.
The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that threats against any individual are not tolerated by this government. He expressed disappointment over Puleiwai’s claims, noting that such behavior was characteristic of the former regime. Kamikamica encouraged anyone facing intimidation to report it, even to government ministers, assuring that the government would take action to prevent such misconduct.
Puleiwai, currently in Australia, made her allegations over the weekend, prompting strong reactions from government critics and political commentators. The government has also assured Puleiwai of her safety and encouraged her to return home. Kamikamica expressed his concern for her safety and that of her family, emphasizing that the government does not support intimidation or threats.
In addition, Kamikamica acknowledged that he met with Puleiwai during her tenure, clarifying that it was a professional meeting focused on specific matters he hoped to discuss. He stated that asking questions about reports is not intimidation, according to the Attorney General, and maintained that the communications related to ongoing cases within his ministry. He expressed that true intimidation involves preventing a case from proceeding or threatening someone not to act on it.