I’m weighing the option of a Board of Inquiry into the FICAC issue – PM

Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka is weighing up the option of a Board of Inquiry into issues at FICAC which include the appointment of Barbara Malimali, resignation of Francis Puleiwai as Acting Deputy Commissioner and the way investigations are being handled.

While speaking to fijivillage News, Rabuka says he has been weighing the option to have a Board of Inquiry and is in the process of talking to lawyers outside the government.

He says he is looking into this because these matters are attracting interest and creating divisions in our communities, and affecting confidence in individuals and groups.

Rabuka stresses one of the best ways to dispel rumours is to establish whether there is enough evidence to form a prima facie case for prosecution.

He says the Courts decide the rest - to convict or to dismiss the allegations.

fijivillage News also questioned Rabuka on what is his stand regarding the FICAC investigations against some of the cabinet ministers and even comments whether the complaints filed against some ministers are genuine or frivolous in nature.

Rabuka says on this one, the Agency receiving the report decides after initial consideration, whether the matter needs to be investigated to establish whether there is a prima facie case to be thoroughly investigated with a view to establish a prosecution attempt.

Meanwhile FICAC is yet to confirm whether the new FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali remains under investigation for alleged abuse of office when she was the Chair of the Electoral Commission.

New FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali

When questioned on the investigation against Malimali and other complaints against some ministers, FICAC replied that as it is the first couple of days for Malimali as Commissioner, FICAC will treat every complaint, regardless of who the subject person is, with the scrutiny it deserves.

We have also asked what is the nature of the allegation, and has FICAC analysed the complaint and determined whether they are genuine or frivolous in nature.

fijivillage News has asked the same about the complaints against the Ministers and questioned what is the delay.

We are waiting for FICAC’s response.

Police are also investigating former Acting Deputy Commissioner, Francis Puleiwai after a complaint of alleged abuse of office filed by the new FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.

Opposition MP, Jone Usamate says the public deserves to know who instructed the then Acting Deputy Commissioner Francis Puleiwai not to pursue formal charges against Professor Biman Prasad.

Professor Prasad has said he has referred the matter to his lawyers relating to Puleiwai’s actions.