Following the controversy surrounding Barbara Malimali’s appointment as the FICAC Commissioner, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, says he did not have any phone calls or discussions with anyone regarding Malimali’s appointment.
Kamikamica says that, as far as he understands, her appointment was based on the merits of the interview process, and he believes Francis Puleiwai was the last person to be interviewed.
He questions what the actual issue is, dismissing the claims as conspiracy theories and nonsense about alleged collusion.
He adds that when FICAC examines his phone, they will see there is nothing to discuss concerning the events in question.
He also says that no one would have had the ability to influence the decision, given the calibre of individuals involved in the process.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted that there were no conversations among those named in the report suggesting that a specific person should be appointed.
He also highlighted that he hopes the people of Fiji read the full report, as he believes, consistent with the view of the Attorney-General, that there is nothing in it that reflects adversely on anyone.
Kamikamica says he welcomes the investigation being carried out by FICAC, as he wants to clear his name after the Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of FICAC.
When asked by fijivillage News about his relationship with Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka he said their relationship is fine.
He adds that they had discussions with the Prime Minister last week before he left for Australia.
Kamikamica says his focus is to serve the people of Fiji and nothing more, and the Prime Minister is aware of that.
Kamikamica adds he will wait for further developments before commenting on the matter.
He adds that he hopes to get his phone back soon, as it contains many important matters that are useful for Fiji.
We have asked FICAC when they will respond to our questions as a search warrant executed and a mobile phone seized from a Deputy Prime Minister is a matter of national interest.
It is understood that Kamikamica’s phone was taken in as part of the investigation regarding the Commission of Inquiry report into the appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner.
Kamikamica had earlier stressed that the appointment of Malimali as FICAC Commissioner was solely the decision of the Judicial Services Commission and not Cabinet.
Kamikamica had confirmed that no specific Cabinet meeting was held for the appointment of Malimali when he was Acting Prime Minister.
Stay with us for developments.
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