Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has unveiled a significant reform initiative aimed at the abolition of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). During an interview with The Fiji Times, he articulated that the roles and responsibilities of FICAC significantly overlap with those of established state institutions, which possess the requisite capabilities for investigation and prosecution.
Rabuka stressed the importance of simplifying the governmental framework, noting that the Fiji Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are already adept at conducting investigative and prosecutorial activities. He asserted, “There’s really no need for a special investigating and prosecuting arm of government when you already have established ones.”
This proposed reform is part of a broader agenda to rectify what Rabuka has termed flawed decisions made by previous administrations. He highlighted the necessity of moving away from past governmental practices, suggesting that failure to implement these reforms would result in continued repercussions from earlier mistakes.
The Prime Minister revealed that the legislative reform process is already underway, with the government initiating the drafting of the required bills. He emphasized that changes to both the FICAC Act and certain constitutional provisions will be crucial components of the proposed legislation. These amendments are set to be presented to Parliament for discussion, constituting a significant aspect of the government’s extensive reform agenda.
Although the specifics regarding the timeline for these legislative adjustments and any transitional measures for ongoing cases remain undisclosed, Rabuka’s dedication to reform points to a proactive stance toward modernizing Fiji’s governance. This initiative holds potential to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of the nation’s legal framework, nurturing a more transparent and accountable government. Such steps could signify a positive shift toward improved governance in Fiji.