FICAC says there has been no interference by Govt or any political party

FICAC says there has been no interference by Govt or any political party

By Vijay Narayan
01/10/2024
Source : Photo : File

FICAC has today maintained that there has not been any interference of any sort by the current Coalition Government or any political parties for any of its cases being investigated or any ongoing cases, and due processes are strictly adhered to.

In addressing the statement made by former Acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai on Ministers directly contacting her on whether there were any complaints lodged against them, FICAC states that the complainants and person(s) of interest following up on their cases handled by the Commission does not necessarily mean that they are interfering with the processes at FICAC or their cases.

FICAC says the person(s) of interest have rights accorded to them as prescribed under Section 13, 14 and 15 of the Constitution, including the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law.

It also says person(s) of interest have the right to be heard, a principle also known as “audi alteram partem” and it is a fundamental aspect of natural justice.

FICAC also refers to its earlier press release issued on 27th March 2024 in which Puleiwai stated that interference into FICAC was not from the current Coalition Government but rather from the former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed–Khaiyum.

FICAC also makes reference to Sayed-Khaiyum’s letter of complaint to President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere against Puleiwai on 2nd April 2024.

It says the status of that complaint by Sayed-Khaiyum is unknown.

FICAC also reiterates that the complaints received are treated with high priority and nevertheless follow the due processes and procedures of FICAC.

The Commission says the complaints received at FICAC have a turnaround time of seven working days from the date of when the complaint is lodged, that is, the complaint is received and registered, assessed and forwarded to the Office of the Commissioner for further instructions.

They say in accordance to Section 6.5 of the Commission Standing Orders (CSO) there is no specific turnaround time for an investigation into a case.

FICAC says the nature of the investigation may impose a specific timeframe.

As per the current practice, the timeframe of the investigation is given by the Commissioner but the completion of the investigation will depend on the timely collation of evidential material, recording of witness statements and caution interviews.

In the event an investigation cannot be completed within a required timeframe, the necessary submission is made to the Office of the Commissioner outlining the drawbacks and unforeseen circumstances faced during the course of the investigation and a request of extension is made.

FICAC says the decision to charge is only made after the evidence is gathered and analysed, and the person(s) of interest is interviewed.

It also says FICAC has gone through drastic changes in the last year, with the change in leadership and staff turnover thus affecting the completion of its investigation cases.

FICAC says it is committed to have its pending cases completed and will continue to remain independent in their work as prescribed under the law.

fijivillage News has asked FICAC what is the status of the investigation regarding Professor Biman Prasad after letters written by the former Acting Deputy Commissioner that he was to be charged, what is the status of other complaints against cabinet ministers sent to FICAC by the Registrar of Political Parties, and when will a determination be made on whether the complaints are genuine or frivolous. They are yet to respond.

FEATURE NEWS
Health Ministry receives $10M worth of medical equipment from Japanese Govt
Medical services in the country are expected to be boosted following a donation of medical equipment worth $10 million from the Japanese Government to...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Wellington wind warning escalates to Red in storm lashing country
MetService has upgraded its Wellington wind warning to red, the highest warning possible. Wellingtonians are being warned to stay away from doors ...
37 minutes ago

4-bedroom house in Labasa destroyed by fire
It was a heartbreaking morning for a family residing in Waidamudamu Road in Vunimoli, Labasa, as their 4-bedroom house was destroyed by fire ...
2 hours ago

Zero tolerance for reckless PSV drivers as LTA and Police begin nationwide enforcement operation
Following recent road accidents and reckless driving behaviours among Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers, the National Joint Enforcement Joint ...
3 hours ago

Alleged Nadi murderer remanded, case transfered to High Court
47-year-old Daniel Prasad, who is charged with the murder of his 28-year-old partner Karishma Chaudhry in Kerebula, Nadi over the weekend, has been ...
6 hours ago

VITIFM personality Roko Nabuta fondly known as ‘Ouch Mama’ to be laid to rest today
VITIFM personality, Paula Roko Nabuta fondly known as ‘Ouch Mama’ will be laid to rest today. The funeral service will start at 10am today at ...
6 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
9 days ago

Daniel Fatiaki and Professor Narsey on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Chair of the Electoral Reform Commission and former Chief Justice, Daniel Fatiaki and Electoral Reform Commissioner and economist, Professor Wadan ...
9 days ago

Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
24 days ago

TOP