Top three officials under scrutiny

A formal complaint is essential to prompt an investigation into Barbara Malimali, John Rabuku, Siromi Turaga, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Such a complaint could also lead to their potential suspension.

This after Ms Malimali, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner, Mr Rabuku, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Mr Turaga, Minister for Justice, were seen together last Friday at the Grand Pacific Hotel during the welcome ceremony for a Japanese delegation from the Ministry of Justice.

Mr Rabuka addressed the issue outside his office yesterday, suggesting that any investigation or suspension concerning Ms Malimali, Mr Rabuku, and Mr Turaga would depend on complaints lodged.

"What is wrong with that," Mr Rabuka asked when responding to our queries.

"Has there been a report made on them appearing together?

"If there's a report, then yes."

Mr Turaga declined to comment following a Cabinet meeting but indicated that a statement would be forthcoming.

Graham Leung, the Government's chief legal adviser and AttorneyGeneral, downplayed the incident by saying: "It's just a photo."

Following the publication of the photo yesterday, the Ministry of Justice's Facebook page removed the pictures of the officials, which raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

Background

On September 24, the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department received a referral regarding Ms Malimali's case from Mr Rabuku's office, in consultation with Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva.

Mr Turaga is still under investigation by FICAC.

Mr Rabuku has described Ms Malimali's case as "incomplete," warranting further examination by the police.

The recent photo bears resemblance to the case of Christopher Pryde, the former and suspended DPP, who was dismissed in April last year for suspected "misbehaviour."

Allegations arose that Mr Pryde had been seen with former Attorney- General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at the residence of Japan's Ambassador to Fiji in Tamavua, Suva, amid an investigation involving Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.

Mr Turaga, then the AttorneyGeneral, was vocal about Mr Pryde's case, claiming that Mr Pryde spent "about 30 to 45 minutes conversing alone" with Mr SayedKhaiyum.

Consequently, Mr Pryde was suspended by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), in accordance with Section 112(4) of the Constitution and Chapter 5, Part A.

Political backlash

The matter has elicited strong condemnation from key political figures. Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu has called for the suspension of the three officials, paralleling the actions taken against Mr Pryde.

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry stressed the necessity of maintaining good governance and integrity within public offices.

Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube said: "Ms Malimali was recently photographed in the company of senior justice officers and the Minister for Justice, who is reported to also be under investigation by FICAC.

"To me, this looks exactly like the case of the former Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Christopher Pryde, being seen talking to the former Attorney-General, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, which led to his suspension."

He added: "Unity Fiji emphasises that the allegations on both sides must be investigated. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

"We must clear all allegations if the people are going to trust and have confidence that the agencies of the law, like FICAC, will be unbiased and independent in their pursuit of justice."

Threats against media

In a troubling development, Ministry of Justice manager Collin Yabaki threatened legal action against this publication for highlighting the issue. He asserted: "Who gave you permission to use the photo? Why do you have to make a big issue out of it?"

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj