Opposition Member of Parliament Faiyaz Koya has critiqued Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication Manoa Kamikamica for prematurely presenting an Investigation Report related to Walesi PTE Limited to Parliament. Koya expressed that the government’s intention to forward the findings to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) should have meant refraining from discussing the report in Parliament, as the Opposition did not have access to it prior.
Koya argued that it was inappropriate to disclose the report’s details in a ministerial statement when it has already been handed to FICAC, indicating that such matters should not be politicized. He emphasized the need for transparency and fairness, questioning the rationale behind Kamikamica’s announcement in Parliament without the Opposition being informed.
Despite this criticism, the FICAC confirmed that they have received the file from Kamikamica, and FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali has established a special task force dedicated to investigating the issue. This follows a Special Audit Report from the Office of the Auditor General, which identified that the government allocated $123.6 million to the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Project and the operations of Walesi PTE Limited from 2015 to 2022.
This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations, as the formation of a special task force by FICAC signals a commitment to thorough investigations. The collaboration between various government entities and oversight bodies may lead to improved governance, and, ultimately, strengthen public trust in institutions designed to combat corruption.
In a summary, the Opposition has raised concerns over the handling of a report related to Walesi PTE Limited, while FICAC has taken steps to investigate the matter further, showcasing a commitment to accountability.
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