Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to thoroughly investigate the allegations surrounding the operations of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Rabuka’s comments came in response to inquiries from local media regarding an interview with Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, who made serious claims about the organization. The Prime Minister emphasized that an independent commission would be more capable of addressing the concerns raised by Pulewai, especially those relating to suspected ministerial interference in FICAC’s investigations.
He stated, “If such an inquiry determines that there was indeed undue interference, the due process recommended by the Commission of Inquiry will have to be carried out.” Rabuka reinforced that there have not been any amendments to the laws governing FICAC and affirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the law.
In response to allegations that Pulewai faced threats, the Prime Minister condemned any such actions if they occurred. He also clarified that he had not received reports regarding these threats nor had they been communicated to him or the Fiji Police.