Turaga Calls FICAC Saga Coverage an ‘Obsession’

Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga might just have become the Coalition Government’s latest loose cannon after labelling the FICAC saga coverage from this masthead as an ‘obsession’.

This masthead had approached Mr Turaga in Parliament last week for his opinion regarding the FICAC (Fiji Independant Commission Against Corruption) controversy.

Without hesitation, Mr Turaga said; “What’s this obsession with this FICAC controversy?”, further dismissing all claims regarding ministerial interference.

The country’s premier corruption watchdog institution has been making the headlines for months over its commissioner’s appointment Barbara Malimali. At the time of her appointment, Ms Malimali was under investigation by FICAC.

Ms Malimali was appointed by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in consultation with Government legal adviser, Graham Leung.

Both of the appointing bodies have defended the process in which Ms Malimali was appointed.

Former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry who has been vocal about this saga has called out Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for not addressing this issue swiftly.

Cabinet is expected to discuss an agenda today during the Cabinet meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister regarding the scooping and the mandate of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to examine the discrepancies of the FICAC saga.

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