The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has quashed claims by former Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Pulewai that the Coalition government interferes in the running and execution of its duties.
In a statement, FICAC said that the outside influence that Ms Pulewai referred to earlier in the year was from the former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed – Khaiyum.
“FICAC refers to its earlier press release 17/2024 issued on 27 March 2024 in which Ms Puleiwai stated that the interference was not from the current Coalition Government but rather from the former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed – Khaiyum.
“FICAC also makes reference to Mr Khaiyum’s letter of complaint to His Excellency the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere against Puleiwai on 2 April 2024. The status of that complaint by Mr Khaiyum is unknown.”
“FICAC maintains that there hasn’t been any interference of any sort by the current Coalition Government or any Political Parties for any of its cases being investigated or any ongoing cases and due processes are strictly adhered to.”
In an interview with the ABC in Australia, Pulewai said that Government ministers would contact her regarding on going cases.
FICAC says that Ministers asking after the progress of their cases was not necessarily interfering with investigations.
“FICAC would like to state that complainants and person(s) of interest following up on their cases handled by the Commission does not
necessarily mean that they are interfering with the processes at FICAC or their cases. Person(s) of interest have rights accorded to them as prescribed under Section 13, 14 and 15 of the Constitution, including the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according
to law.”
“Person(s) of interest have the right to be heard, a principle also known as “audi alteram partem” and it is a fundamental aspect of natural justice. This ensures that a person(s) of interest have the right to be heard.”
FICAC wishes to reiterate that complaints received are treated with high priority and nevertheless follow the due processes and procedures of FICAC.
Current head of FICAC and Suva lawyer Barbara Malimali had been taken in for questioning, on the order of Pulewai after a complaint was received from the Supervisor of Elections on September 5th following her appointment to the position.
After taking up her position as head of FICAC Malimali then lodged a complaint against Pulewai.
