Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has sparked controversy within the Coalition Government by describing media coverage of the FICAC saga as an “obsession.” During a recent session in Parliament, when asked about the ongoing controversy surrounding the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Turaga questioned, “What’s this obsession with this FICAC controversy?” He also rejected allegations of ministerial interference in the matter.
FICAC has been in the news for several months, primarily due to its commissioner, Barbara Malimali, who was appointed while under investigation by the commission. Her appointment was made by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere based on a recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), following consultations with government legal advisor Graham Leung. Both the JSC and the President have defended the legitimacy of the appointment process.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for not taking prompt action regarding the FICAC situation. The Cabinet is anticipated to address the matter in a meeting today, focusing on the creation and mandate of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the issues associated with the FICAC saga.