FICAC says complaints were not submitted to them

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has today stated that most of the allegations of fraud or abuse of office and corruption complaints made in the Auditor General’s reports from 2007 to 2009 were not submitted to FICAC.

While making its response to the Public Accounts Committee today, FICAC’s State Counselor, Sam Savumiramira highlighted that they do look at the audit reports but it is really hard to go into an institution and look for relevant documents.

FICAC adds that they recognize the importance of information sharing between FICAC and the Auditor General’s Office and a Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations will be signed soon.

The MOU will allow the Auditor General’s Office to instantly refer fraud and corrupt activities to the FICAC Commissioner during the process of auditing.

FICAC’s Manager Investigations, Niko Bukarau also confirmed to the Public Accounts Committee today that having gone through the 2007 to 2009 Auditor General’s reports and the Public Accounts Committee report to Parliament, it is evident that most of the audit matters highlight non-compliance, procedural and governance issues.

He says the Ministry of Finance in consultation with the Auditor General’s Office should set up a team to revisit the repeated recurring irregularities after the completion of annual audits.