People's Alliance Backs PM Despite FICAC Appointment Backlash

Loyalty Firm

Wednesday 04 June 2025 | 11:00

Updated 08 August 2025 | 15:38 FJT

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. PHOTO: Ronald Kumar

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. PHOTO: Ronald Kumar

The People's Alliance (PA) port for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, despite grow­ing criticism over his handling the Commission of Inquiry re­port and appointment of the act­ing FICAC commissioner.

Deputy party leader and Minis­ter for Transport Ro Filipe Tui­sawau said there was no division within the party and that Prime Minister Rabuka had the party's full backing.

"We as the People's Alliance are behind him. We support his deport for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, despite grow­ing criticism over his handling the Commission of Inquiry re­port and appointment of the act­ing FICAC commissioner.

Deputy party leader and Minis­ter for Transport Ro Filipe Tui­sawau said there was no division within the party and that Prime Minister Rabuka had the party's full backing.

"We as the People's Alliance are behind him. We support his decision to stand again in the 2026 General Election," Ro Filipe said.

"If you want him to step aside, follow the process - put a motion of no confidence in Parliament, or do what he did: stand in the next elections and compete against him and the People's Alliance."

The PM has faced public pressure after deciding not to release the full Commission of Inquiry report. There has also been criticism over the appointment of Lavinia Rokoika as acting FICAC commissioner, and delays in implementing the inquiry’s recommendations.

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica also voiced the party’s support but declined to comment on the inquiry, referring questions to the Prime Minister.

“Whilst there’s some discussion around the COI, I hope the country understands that there have been many positive steps so far. We’ve been building from a negative base after 16 years of mismanagement,” he said.

However, former PAP vice-president and founding member Ro Naulu Mataitini accused Mr Rabuka of lacking vision and interfering in the COI process.

In a Facebook post, Ro Naulu, a member of the Great Council of Chiefs, wrote that the Prime Minister had no clear strategy or economic plan and had flip-flopped on key appointments, undermining the rule of law.

Mr Rabuka did not speak to media after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. He was later seen attending an event in Nadi.

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