Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica confirmed that he met with Francis Puleiwai, the acting deputy commissioner of FICAC, to inquire whether there were any reports filed against him. Kamikamica emphasized that his actions were neither intimidating nor an interference.
However, this has raised questions about public perception. There are memories of former Prime Minister Bainimarama meeting with ministers and high-ranking officials while dressed in full military uniform, a display many viewed as overt intimidation.
In contrast, it is worth considering whether the nature of intimidation in the era following Bainimarama has become more nuanced, as suggested by Puleiwai’s remarks during her interview with ABC.