Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has assured former Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption acting deputy commissioner Francis Puleiwai that she has nothing to worry about from his government and stated that it is safe for her to return to Fiji. Mr. Rabuka made these comments during a media conference where he also raised doubts about the authenticity of a recent interview Puleiwai had with ABC Australia, which has yet to be broadcast.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation had conducted an interview with Puleiwai, in which she made various allegations against some members of the judiciary and government. The interview was briefly posted on social media by Alexandra Forewood, but it was removed a few hours later.
In response to inquiries from The Fiji Times, ABC confirmed that an excerpt of the interview aired on ABC News Channel on September 27, stating, “We’re still doing reporting on the full story and a date for publication has not been locked in.” ABC did not clarify who had access to the complete interview or whether Forewood, who had previously called a press conference on Puleiwai’s behalf, received a copy of the video.
Forewood, a former Fijian citizen, has been lodging numerous complaints against several government ministers and parliament members with FICAC in recent times. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rabuka noted that he has not received any police report concerning the threats mentioned by Puleiwai during the interview. “It would not come from the government that I lead, who is she afraid of?” he asked.
He stated that he had not received a response from the police regarding the allegations and referenced ABC’s questioning of the credibility of some disclosed information. “The police have since said that there weren’t any police reports made,” Rabuka added, emphasizing that Fijians are free to report or take action against any government members.
“I believe we are safe. If there’s anyone under the most threat, it’s me, and I have not felt any threat,” he asserted. When questioned about the delay in addressing the FICAC controversy, Rabuka explained that the process must adhere to the law and that it is the prerogative of the Judicial Services Commission, not the government or the Constitutional Offices Commission.
Puleiwai has stated she will wait until the conclusion of the inquiry before providing any comments. Regarding the identities of those allegedly threatening her, she refrained from disclosing names to avoid putting her loved ones in danger in Fiji.