Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed that it was his decision to inform President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere about an upcoming investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) involving him. This controversial discussion occurred during a brief 10-minute meeting in New Zealand last month while Rabuka was attending an official visit combined with Fiji Day celebrations.
The Prime Minister clarified that he presented pertinent facts regarding the investigation, emphasizing that it was ultimately up to the President to decide whether or not to step down from the nomination for re-election as President. Rabuka expressed concern about the potential embarrassment of having a high chief under investigation while in office, stating, “It would have been embarrassing to have a high chief subjected to criminal investigation while holding the highest office of the land.”
When asked about the possibility of referring the matter to FICAC, Rabuka indicated that it was not his responsibility to initiate such action. Furthermore, the details surrounding the nature of the investigations remain unclear, particularly after FICAC’s prior clearance of the outgoing President, who had faced inquiries from the Financial Intelligence Unit.
This situation raises significant questions regarding transparency and accountability in Fijian politics. While investigations can be a source of concern, they also present an opportunity for the government to reinforce the importance of integrity among its leaders. Overall, this episode highlights the complexities surrounding governance, pressure from public scrutiny, and the need for a commitment to ethical standards in leadership roles.
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