Political party leaders are urging Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to personally assure former FICAC acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai of her safety. Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube expressed concern that Ms. Puleiwai should not face any threats to her safety. Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry supported this view, emphasizing that while Mr. Rabuka could ensure her safety, he must also seek backing from his fellow ministers and government agencies.
Mr. Chaudhry remarked that the assurance cannot be provided solely by the Prime Minister without the support of other governmental branches. He suggested that Mr. Rabuka should engage in discussions with Ms. Puleiwai to reassure her and to talk about her approach to the situation. He stressed the importance of addressing the FICAC appointment of Ms. Malimali and the investigations involving seven Cabinet ministers reported to FICAC by the Supervisor of Elections.
Mr. Narube reiterated that the nation’s safety differs from the safety of whistleblowers, stating that Mr. Rabuka must guarantee Ms. Puleiwai’s safety if she chooses to return. Mr. Chaudhry added that the protection of whistleblowers has not been assured in the past, highlighting a history of insecurity where FICAC was perceived as a tool to target government critics, a concern that seems to be resurfacing under the Coalition Government despite previous assurances.
Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica’s admission of discussing his own case with Ms. Puleiwai raised additional worries about her security. Both leaders concurred on the necessity of a Commission of Inquiry, with Mr. Narube advocating for transparency and public disclosure of the inquiry’s findings to ensure that all individuals involved in the situation are thoroughly questioned.