The Minister for Justice has criticized the investigations by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that are focused on senior Cabinet Ministers, labeling them as “acts of malice.”
Siromi Turaga indicated that an investigation would soon be launched to determine who leaked a FICAC letter last Wednesday, which disclosed intentions to charge Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad.
In light of these developments, Mr. Turaga admitted that he has also received correspondence related to his case under FICAC’s scrutiny. Notably, Acting Deputy FICAC Francis Puleiwai resigned the previous Thursday, emphasizing the importance of upholding “the rule of law” and maintaining her personal integrity.
“The release was done with malice. In the coming weeks, it will become evident that someone will be held accountable,” Mr. Turaga stated. He pointed out that the FICAC letter regarding the investigation was leaked before it arrived at his office, indicating potential “collaboration and malice” behind the incident.
He also commented on the timing of the leak, which took place just prior to the onboarding of the new FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali. Mr. Turaga suggested that a complaint against him should have been reviewed by the Supervisor of Elections, a process that did not occur.
“We have been defamed over allegations that remain unclear,” he added. Mr. Turaga defended Ms. Malimali’s appointment as the new FICAC Commissioner despite ongoing criticism, stating that the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) adhered to proper procedures in her selection.
“Perhaps this will provide some perspective on why the JSC deemed it necessary to move forward with her appointment,” Mr. Turaga remarked. JSC chairperson and Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, along with Attorney-General Graham Leung, also expressed their support for Ms. Malimali’s appointment.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that he was not fully aware of the details of FICAC’s investigations. “The only two ministers who approached me were Ravu, who is now suspended, and Biman, who was ultimately not charged,” Mr. Rabuka said. He clarified, “I have no involvement in the work, appointments, or decisions concerning FICAC.”