The Minister for Justice has expressed strong opposition to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) investigations focusing on senior Cabinet Ministers, labeling them as “acts of malice.”
Siromi Turaga indicated that an investigation is upcoming to determine who leaked a FICAC letter from last Wednesday, which disclosed plans to press charges against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad.
In a twist, Mr. Turaga revealed that he also received a letter concerning an investigation into his own actions with FICAC.
Notably, Acting Deputy FICAC Francis Puleiwai resigned last Thursday, stating that she needed to uphold “the rule of law” and maintain her personal integrity.
Mr. Turaga stated, “The release was actually done with malice. In the coming weeks, it will become clear that someone will be held accountable.” He emphasized that the letter from FICAC was leaked before reaching his office, implying that there was “collaboration and malice” involved.
Additionally, he criticized the timing of the leak, which coincided with the induction of the new FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali. Mr. Turaga contended that the complaint against him should have been reviewed by the Supervisor of Elections, a step that did not occur.
“We have been defamed over allegations that remain unclear,” he noted.
Despite the ongoing criticism, Mr. Turaga defended Ms. Malimali’s appointment as the new FICAC Commissioner, asserting that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) adhered to the proper processes in her selection.
“Perhaps this will provide some perspective on why the JSC felt it necessary to proceed with the appointment,” he remarked.
JSC chairperson and Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, along with Attorney-General Graham Leung, also backed Ms. Malimali’s appointment.
In related developments, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated he was not fully aware of the breadth of FICAC’s investigations. He mentioned that only two ministers had approached him—Ravu, who is currently suspended, and Biman, who faced no charges. Mr. Rabuka insisted, “I have no involvement with the work, appointment, or decisions regarding FICAC.”