Former Cabinet Minister Kalaveti Ravu provided critical testimony during the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) regarding his ongoing FICAC case, particularly focusing on interactions with Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica. In his statements, Ravu noted that Kamikamica had requested a copy of his legal correspondence with FICAC to follow up with prospective FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali.
Testimony revealed a timeline of discussions involving senior government officials about Ravu’s case. On July 8, 2024, Kamikamica inquired about the status of Ravu’s situation during a parliamentary session, to which Ravu responded that the matter was still pending in court. The same day, in a more casual meeting while in the bathroom, Minister Prasad also sought information about Ravu’s ongoing case.
A significant interaction occurred on August 5, 2024, during a parliamentary break, where Kamikamica again showed interest in Ravu’s legal status, and Ravu mentioned having new counsel managing his case. Notably, Kamikamica indicated that Malimali was likely to be appointed soon as the new FICAC Commissioner, linking her appointment with the progress of Ravu’s case. Ravu later reported to the Prime Minister that his case was set to be heard in February 2025, after which Kamikamica reiterated his request for the legal letter.
Previous articles highlight that Kamikamica is currently under scrutiny himself, as he welcomed FICAC’s ongoing investigations, asserting his commitment to transparency despite being accused of wrongdoing. The broad context of these inquiries indicates a pivotal point for governance in Fiji, with the potential for reforms aimed at restoring public trust in political institutions.
This developing situation reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities in Fijian politics, especially concerning high-profile positions and integrity in governance. There is a hopeful prospect that these investigations may yield the necessary changes to enhance accountability and foster trust in the system.
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