Establish a Commission of Inquiry after parliament sitting, and investigate claims of ministerial interference in FICAC - Seruiratu

To ensure fairness, transparency, and good governance, I propose that this Commission of Inquiry be established after this week’s parliamentary sitting.

That is the statement from the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu after the serious allegations by former Acting Deputy FICAC Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai that there has been ministerial interference in FICAC.

Seruiratu says this is of great concern and must be addressed.

He says he agrees with the Prime Minister that this needs to be investigated, and an independent and impartial Commission of Inquiry is needed.

The Opposition Leader says this Commission may include Judicial Officers, Members of Parliament, and the top legal minds from the private sector, provided they are not under any pending investigation, and most importantly, they must all be impartial, do not have any conflict of interest with the matters under consideration, and follow the law of the land.

Seruiratu says the allegations are severe and attack the heart of good governance and democracy.

He says he can only hope that Francis Puleiwai will be available to explain her allegations, and that those implicated are given the chance to defend themselves.

The Opposition Leader says we are at the crossroads for our beloved nation and they as representees of the people of Fiji, need to do their utmost best to get to the bottom of these allegations and work hard to bring back the trust of the people.

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka states that a Commission of Inquiry is the most appropriate and impartial means to address allegations surrounding the work of FICAC.

The Prime Minister says an independent commission would be better positioned to address the issues raised by Puleiwai, particularly those involving alleged ministerial interference in FICAC investigations.

Rabuka says if such an inquiry determines that there was indeed undue interference, the due process recommended by the Commission of Inquiry will have to be carried out.

Puleiwai has raised the question why Barbara Malimali was appointed as FICAC Commissioner when she was still under investigation by FICAC in relation to a complaint against her as Chair of the Electoral Commission, how the Prime Minister was unaware as the Chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission that Malimali had resigned as Chair of the Electoral Commission, some Managers of FICAC raising concerns on why Malimali was appointed when she was still under investigation, the planned charges against Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, allegations that some ministers were calling Puleiwai asking whether there were any complaints against them and the alleged threats made to her and allegations of her vehicle tyre getting slashed.

FICAC is yet to provide an update on the investigation regarding some of the cabinet ministers.

Malimali’s case has been referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Deputy DPP, John Rabuku has assessed the file and referred it to the Director CID for further investigations as the investigation is incomplete.

Professor Biman Prasad had earlier said that he had referred the issue of Puleiwai sending letters that he would be charged soon, to his lawyers.

Stay with us for developments.