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 these claims outside Parliament, asserting that the Coalition Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of intimidation aimed at individuals serving as “corruption watchdogs.”
Kamikamica emphasized that the current administration differs significantly from the previous FijiFirst government, which faced numerous allegations of threats and interference. He called for substantiated evidence regarding any ministerial interference to be reported to appropriate authorities, urging Puleiwai to present her allegations through official channels.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated, “The Prime Minister has already made it clear: we don’t tolerate threats against anyone.” He expressed disappointment over the allegations, reiterating that threats characterized the prior regime. Kamikamica encouraged anyone experiencing intimidation to come forward, even approaching government ministers if necessary, affirming that the government will take action to prevent such misconduct.
Puleiwai, currently in Australia, made her allegations last weekend, prompting significant reactions from government critics and political commentators. The government has assured her of her safety and encouraged her to return to Fiji. Kamikamica expressed his concern over her claims regarding the safety of her and her family, reassuring her that the government does not condone intimidation or threats.
He asserted that the government supports freedom of expression and will not tolerate threats against individuals challenging the status quo, labeling any such behavior as unacceptable.
Kamikamica acknowledged that he did meet with Puleiwai during her time at FICAC but described the meeting as professional and focused on specific matters he wanted to discuss with her. He emphasized that his inquiries during the meeting were not acts of intimidation. He clarified that all discussions with her were related to specific cases his ministry is currently overseeing, maintaining that encouraging questions regarding his case does not equate to intimidation.