Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed that he made the decision to inform President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere about an upcoming investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that pertains to him. This discussion took place during a brief 10-minute meeting last month in New Zealand, where Rabuka was attending official engagements and celebrating Fiji Day.
During an interview, Rabuka emphasized that he simply shared existing facts that had come to his attention regarding potential criminal investigations. He noted that the ultimate decision for the President to step back from being the Prime Minister’s nominee for a second term was that of Ratu Wiliame. Rabuka expressed concern that it would have been inappropriate for a high chief to face a criminal investigation while holding such a prestigious office, highlighting the sensitivities involved in the matter.
When asked whether he would escalate the issue to FICAC, Rabuka clarified that it is not his responsibility to make referrals to the commission. Currently, there remains uncertainty about any additional investigations after FICAC cleared the outgoing President, who had been under scrutiny from the Financial Intelligence Unit.
In summary, the Prime Minister’s actions reflect a cautious approach to governance, aiming to maintain the integrity of high-ranking officials amid allegations of corruption. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership roles, offering hope for a cleaner political environment in Fiji moving forward.
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