FICAC Leak Probe

Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has called on the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to investigate the leak of a confidential letter outlining proposed charges against Finance Minister Biman Prasad.

The letter, dated September 5 and addressed to Mr Turaga by former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai, was widely circulated on social media.

The leaked document stated that FICAC had completed its investigations and recommended charges against Mr Prasad for failing to declare all assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last General Election.

The leak coincided with Barbara Malimali's controversial appointment as FICAC Commissioner on September 4, and the case has since been put on hold.

Speaking to Fiji Sun from Australia, Ms Puleiwai criticised Mr Turaga's response to the leak.

"It is funny that Mr Turaga is asking who leaked the letter," Ms Puleiwai said.

"For those who don't know FICAC's process, the original letter go out to the individuals we are writing to. The copy we keep in the office is a blue paper."

She added: "The letter that was leaked is the original, printed on white paper, which was sent to the Minister for Justice. Copies were also sent to the Attorney-General, the President, and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The commissioner is not privy to this letter."

Questions over Malimali's appointment

Ms Malimali's appointment as FICAC Commissioner has sparked widespread controversy, as she herself was under investigation by FICAC at the time of her appointment.

Following public and media scrutiny, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding her appointment.

Cabinet will discuss a paper tomorrow outlining the COI's scope and mandate.

However, this has raised concerns about the inquiry's independence, given that some Cabinet members are currently under FICAC's investigation.

Prime Minister Rabuka said the inquiry would examine allegations of ministerial interference, the process behind Ms Malimali's appointment, and threats made against Ms Puleiwai.

FLP raises concerns

Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, voiced his concerns over potential conflicts of interest in having Cabinet define the COI's terms of reference.

He criticised Mr Rabuka's assertion that the appointment process was lawful and involved the JSC, arguing that such statements could mislead the public and preempt the inquiry's findings.

"Questions remain about Ms Malimali's appointment, especially as she was under investigation at the time. This complicates the legitimacy of the JSC's decision," said Mr Chaudhry.

He also noted that while the Prime Minister has assured Ms Puleiwai of her safety should she return to Fiji for the inquiry, broader support from Government officials is needed to ensure her protection.

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