Government Rejects Intimidation Claims

Government has dismissed claims of intimidation and threats made by former Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commis­sion Against Corruption (FICAC), Francis Puleiwai.

Speaking outside Parliament yesterday, Deputy Prime Minis­ter Manoa Kamikamica said the Coalition Government would not tolerate any form of intimidation against individuals acting as "cor­ruption watchdogs".

He stressed this Government is not like the previous FijiFirst adminis­tration, where threats and interfer­ence were reportedly widespread.

"In terms of ministerial interfer­ence, if there's evidence, it should be provided to the proper authori­ties. There's too much speculation at the moment," Mr Kamikamica said.

"If there's any proof of intimida­tion or attempts to influence deci­sions, by all means, report it to the appropriate authorities."

He specifically urged Ms Pulei­wai, who recently alleged that some senior lawyers and ministers had interfered in FICAC's operations, to bring such cases to light through the right channels.

"The Prime Minister has already made it clear: we don't tolerate threats against anyone," Mr Kami­kamica emphasised.

"This is a free society, and people should be able to work peacefully and without fear. I was disappoint­ed to hear these claims, as threats were a hallmark of the previous regime."

Mr Kamikamica encouraged those facing any form of intimidation to speak up, even to Government min­isters, if necessary.

"It is not something this Govern­ment encourages. Anyone who feels threatened should talk to somebody or approach a minister," the minis­ter said.

"We will act and ensure it does not happen again. We cannot tolerate such misconduct."

Ms Puleiwai, who is currently in Australia, made her allegations last weekend, drawing strong reactions from Government critics and politi­cal commentators.

'Puleiwai safe'

The Government also assures Ms Puleiwai of her safety and is encouraging her to return home.

Mr Kamikamica expressed per­sonal disappointment upon learn­ing of Ms Puleiwai's concerns for her and her family's safety.

"My message to Ms Puleiwai is that no one in Fiji is trying to jeop­ardise her or her family's safety," he said.

"I was very concerned when she mentioned threats to her family and want to assure her that, from the Government's side, we do not tolerate intimidation or threats."

Mr Kamikamica emphasised that this Government champions free­dom of expression and opinion, rejecting any threats made against those who challenge the power structure.

"It's unfortunate that someone has chosen to use their judgment to issue threats, but as a Government, we do not condone that kind of be­haviour," he added.

Minister admits meeting Puleiwai

Mr Kamikamica acknowledged he met Ms Puleiwai during her ten­ure, emphasising that the meeting was conducted on "professional grounds."

"I had a discussion with her that was very professional, focused on two matters I hoped to table with her," Mr Kamikamica said.

"In the meeting, I asked if there were any reports about me, and I'm happy to answer.

"That's not intimidation; accord­ing to the Attorney-General, we have the right to ask."

He asserted that all com­munications with Ms Pulei­wai related to specific cases his ministry is currently handling.

He recalled encouraging her to raise any questions regarding his case.

"I don't see that as intimi­dation. To me, intimidation is trying to stop a case or threatening someone not to proceed with it," he ex­plained.

"She's correct. I did meet her, but it was more on some significant cases regarding my ministry."

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun. com.fj