Rabuka signals Sports Minister should ‘take a leave’

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Sports Minister Jese Saukuru should consider stepping aside as independent investigations into the Fiji Sports Council saga continue.

“I am hoping that he will take it a step further and take a leave.”

While Mr Rabuka stopped short of directing the minister to stand down, he indicated that taking temporary leave would be “the better option for all of us.”

The Prime Minister confirmed he had already advised the Sports Minister not to interfere in the investigation.

“I have,” Mr Rabuka said when asked whether he had cautioned the minister against involvement in the matter.

He pointed to precedent within his Cabinet, referencing Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua, who voluntarily stepped aside during an earlier investigation into immigration.

“He voluntarily stood down,” Mr Rabuka said, suggesting similar action would demonstrate political maturity and protect the integrity of the process.