Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has chosen not to respond to allegations suggesting he received an expensive gold Rolex watch worth over $150,000 from a local businessman. When approached by reporters outside his office, Rabuka remained reticent on the issue, claiming that allegations must be substantiated with concrete evidence.
Reports from regional and local media assert that the watch was gifted by a business tycoon recently granted a Presidential pardon. Rabuka stated, “I have the right to remain silent,” and added that those making allegations must prove their claims.
This situation unfolds in the context of Rabuka’s willingness to engage with transparency relating to other ongoing scrutiny in his administration. Recently, he informed President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere about a forthcoming investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) concerning himself. This disclosure was made during a brief meeting in New Zealand, where Rabuka was attending official duties and Fiji Day celebrations.
His proactive stance in this matter was to maintain the integrity of his office and avoid potential embarrassment associated with criminal investigations involving high-ranking officials. As Fiji navigates these complexities, there remains an opportunity for the government to strengthen public trust through commitment to transparency and accountability.
In light of these developments, while the allegations regarding the Rolex watch add another layer to the ongoing scrutiny around his administration, they also reinforce the necessity for ethical governance amidst the backdrop of political pressures. The hope is that Rabuka’s silence on the luxury watch may eventually lead to a more transparent dialogue regarding the integrity and actions of public officials, paving the way for a cleaner political atmosphere in Fiji.
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