Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has sparked controversy within the Coalition Government by referring to the media’s coverage of the FICAC saga as an “obsession.” This statement came when he was approached by reporters in Parliament last week for his thoughts on the ongoing FICAC (Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption) controversy. Mr. Turaga responded with, “What’s this obsession with this FICAC controversy?” and dismissed any allegations regarding ministerial interference.
The FICAC has been in the headlines for several months, primarily due to the appointment of its commissioner, Barbara Malimali, who was under investigation by the commission at the time of her appointment. Ms. Malimali was appointed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere following a recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), in consultation with Government legal adviser Graham Leung. Both the JSC and the President have defended the appointment process.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has publicly criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for not addressing the FICAC issue in a timely manner. Meanwhile, Cabinet is set to discuss an agenda today during their meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister. The agenda will focus on deliberating the scope and authority of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the issues surrounding the FICAC saga.