Leaders of political parties have urged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to personally guarantee the safety of former FICAC acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai. Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube emphasized that Ms. Puleiwai should not be placed in a situation where she feels threatened.
Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry supported Narube’s stance, stating that while Rabuka could provide assurance, he also needed the backing of his fellow ministers and government agencies. “He alone cannot ensure that assurance without support from other branches of the government,” Chaudhry remarked.
He suggested that the Prime Minister should engage with Ms. Puleiwai to discuss her concerns and how she wishes to proceed. He highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to the FICAC appointment of Ms. Malimali and the investigations that Ms. Puleiwai was conducting regarding seven Cabinet ministers reported to FICAC by the Supervisor of Elections.
Narube noted a distinction between the country’s safety and the safety of whistleblowers. “He needs to reassure Ms. Puleiwai and all of Fiji that her safety will be guaranteed if she decides to return,” he said.
Chaudhry added that the safety of whistleblowers has not been assured in past years. “People have felt unsafe, and FICAC has historically been used to target government critics. We are witnessing some of that return under the Coalition Government despite earlier assurances.”
He criticized an admission by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who mentioned that he had discussions with Ms. Puleiwai about his own case, labeling it as unhelpful. “Ms. Puleiwai is justified in believing she is not safe here,” Chaudhry remarked.
Both leaders also concurred on the necessity of a Commission of Inquiry. “The COI and those involved must step up to ensure that everyone connected to this situation is questioned,” Narube stated. “It’s essential for transparency, and the findings from the inquiry should be made public.”