Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has stirred controversy by describing the media coverage surrounding the FICAC saga as an ‘obsession’. This remark came after he was approached for his views on the matter in Parliament last week.
Turaga responded directly, questioning the focus on the FICAC controversy and denying any allegations of ministerial interference. The FICAC, or Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, has been in the spotlight recently due to the circumstances surrounding the appointment of its commissioner, Barbara Malimali, who was under investigation at the time.
Malimali’s appointment was made by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere based on recommendations from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and consultations with government legal adviser Graham Leung. Both entities have supported the legitimacy of her appointment process.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has criticized current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for failing to act decisively on the issue. A Cabinet meeting is scheduled to take place today at the Office of the Prime Minister, where the agenda will include discussions regarding the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the FICAC saga further.