The Minister for Justice has criticized the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) investigations that are focused on senior Cabinet Ministers, labeling them as “acts of malice.” Siromi Turaga suggested that an investigation is forthcoming to determine who leaked a FICAC letter from last Wednesday, which indicated plans to file charges against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad.
Despite his strong disapproval, Mr. Turaga admitted that he also received a letter relating to his own FICAC investigation. Interestingly, Acting Deputy FICAC Francis Puleiwai resigned last Thursday, stating her desire to uphold “the rule of law” and maintain her personal integrity.
Mr. Turaga emphasized that the release of the information was done with malicious intent, predicting that accountability will be established in the upcoming weeks. He pointed out that the FICAC letter regarding the investigation was made public before it reached his office, which he believes indicates “collaboration and malice” behind the leak. He criticized the timing, noting it came just before Barbara Malimali officially assumed the role of FICAC Commissioner. Mr. Turaga asserted that the complaint against him should have been reviewed by the Supervisor of Elections, which he claims did not occur.
“We have been defamed over allegations that remain unclear,” he stated. Moreover, Mr. Turaga defended Ms. Malimali’s appointment as the new FICAC Commissioner, despite the ongoing scrutiny. He remarked that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) adhered to proper protocols during her appointment.
“Perhaps this will help clarify why the JSC felt it was essential to proceed with the appointment,” Mr. Turaga added. JSC chairperson and Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, along with Attorney-General Graham Leung, also backed Ms. Malimali’s appointment.
In a related development, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka revealed that he is not fully aware of the breadth of FICAC’s investigations. “The only two ministers who came to me were Ravu, who is now suspended, and Biman, who was ultimately not charged,” Mr. Rabuka stated. He clarified, “I have no involvement with the work, appointment, or decisions regarding FICAC.”