The Fijian government is set to proceed with dismantling the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), as announced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. In a statement made at Drano Village in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu, Prime Minister Rabuka revealed that legislative and constitutional changes are being developed to abolish the anti-corruption agency.
Rabuka argued that the investigative bodies already functioning within the government, particularly the police force, have the capacity to undertake the duties that FICAC previously managed. He highlighted that both the Police Prosecution Division and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are equipped to take on these responsibilities, indicating a belief that the current dual structure of investigative and prosecutorial roles is redundant.
The Prime Minister labeled the decision not to move forward with these reforms as a continuation of what he termed a “bad decision made by the previous government.” He described the initial steps in this transition as amending the FICAC Act and making necessary changes to certain sections of the Constitution. Rabuka assured that these legislative changes would soon be presented to Parliament.
This development marks a significant shift in how corruption is being addressed by the Fijian government, highlighting a focus on streamlining investigative functions within existing organizations. The implications of these changes may provoke substantial discussions regarding Fiji’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts and the anticipated efficacy of the current legal structures in place. There is hope that these reforms will lead to a more efficient system in fighting corruption, with the emphasis on utilizing existing resources to uphold integrity within the government.