FICAC accused of being a political tool in the past - AG

Attorney General Graham Leung says in the past, FICAC has been accused of being a political tool, particularly during the last administration.

While contributing to the debate on the consolidated review report of the FICAC Annual Report 2018 to 2020, the Attorney General says critics argue that instead of serving as an impartial anti-corruption body, FICAC was employed to target political opponents and dissenters.

Leung revealed that the budgetary allocation for FICAC since its inception in 2007 to 2025 has amounted to a staggering $139.175 million.

He says in 2007, the agency operated with a budget of $1.5 million and by the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, this figure had risen to just under $10.5 million, marking an exponential growth in funding over a 17-year period.

He says despite this significant financial investment, concerns persist regarding FICAC’s effectiveness and independence.

He also says FICAC employs 144 staff members, including 14 lawyers, and the increase in budget and staffing has not necessarily translated into a higher rate of complaint resolution, more convictions or enhanced public trust in the agency's operations.

Leung adds that FICAC was established in 2007 to investigate and prosecute complaints of bribery, as well as corrupt practices and taxpayers of this country are entitled to ask how this money has been spent, what results have been produced and how many people have been sent to jail for abuse of office, corruption or related offences.

While supporting the motion, Opposition MP Premila Kumar says there is a need for an anti-corruption court as recommended by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence as there are many unresolved cases.

She says FICAC received 447 complaints, and charges were laid only in 43 cases during the reporting period.

Kumar says these are not just numbers but people waiting for justice.

She also says the people are eagerly awaiting the Commission of Inquiry report and called on the Prime Minister to keep his promise of transparency.

The independent MP says if this Government buries the Commission of Inquiry Report, it will confirm what many Fijians already fear, that is, the Government says one thing and does the exact opposite.

She adds that keeping the report hidden will not protect the Government from scrutiny but will only expose its double standards even further.