Manoa Rejects Claims, Seeks Legal Advice

Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica had his mobile phone seized by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for investigation.

In an interview with reporters on Friday, Mr Kamikamica confirmed that FICAC presented a search warrant at the Trade Ministry’s headquarters at Civic Tower in Suva on Thursday, based on alleged perjury regarding his disclosures.

He welcomed FICAC’s investigations, especially as it pertained to his alleged involvement in the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.

He rejected claims in the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report that he interfered with the appointment process.

“It’s a virtual impossibility to suggest that some sort of corruption was happening in the appointment of Barbara Malimali,” Mr Kamikamica said.

“To try and suggest that we’ve influenced esteemed people to orchestrate an outcome with the selection of Malimali is, in my view, stupid and it’s ludicrous.

“These conspiracy theories and us having collisions. I hope that when they look at my phone, they’ll see there’s nothing to talk about.”

Eager to clear his name, Mr Kamikamica said he will consider engaging with lawyers in response.

“There’s a family behind my name; there’s also a vanua - I’m accountable to them, they sent me to this office,” he said.

“I’m happy the prime minister has released the COI report because now there can be some open discussion on the source of the evidence - if you want to call it evidence - and other matters relating to the COI.”

The minister hopes that Fijians can now read the report in full for themselves.

“I’ll continue to work and serve my country as best I can,” he said.

“These occurrences are certainly distractions, but they certainly won’t distract from our priority in this country, which is to serve its people.”

Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj