FICAC leak probe

The Minister for Justice has condemned the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) investigations targeting senior Cabinet Ministers, calling them “acts of malice”.

Siromi Turaga hinted an investigation is imminent to identify who leaked last Wednesday’s FICAC letter, which revealed plans to charge Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad.

Despite his strong reaction, Mr Turaga acknowledged that he, too, received a letter concerning his own case under FICAC investigation.

Coincidentally, Acting Deputy FICAC Francis Puleiwai resigned last Thursday, citing a need to uphold “the rule of law” and preserve her personal integrity.

Mr Turaga added: “The release was actually done with malice. In the coming weeks, it will become clear that someone will be held accountable.”

He noted the letter from FICAC about the investigation was leaked before it reached his office, suggesting “collaboration and malice” behind the leak.

He also criticised the timing of the leak, which occurred just before the new FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, took office. Mr Turaga claimed the complaint against him should have been vetted by the Supervisor of Elections, but this was not done.

“We have been defamed over allegations that remain unclear,” he added.

Mr Turaga also defended the appointment of Ms Malimali as the new FICAC Commissioner, despite ongoing criticism.

He asserted the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) followed due process in her appointment.

“Perhaps this will provide some perspective on why the JSC felt it necessary to proceed with the appointment,” Mr Turaga said.

JSC chairperson and Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, along with Attorney-General Graham Leung, also supported Ms Malimali’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told this masthead yesterday he was unaware of the full extent of FICAC’s investigations.

“The only two ministers who approached me were Ravu, who is now suspended, and Biman, who was eventually not charged,” Mr Rabuka said.

“I have no involvement with the work, appointment, or decisions regarding FICAC.”

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