Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced plans for reforms that will lead to the abolition of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In an interview with The Fiji Times, the Prime Minister expressed that the functions of FICAC overlap significantly with those of existing state institutions, which already have the necessary mechanisms for investigation and prosecution.
Rabuka emphasized the need for simplification within the governmental structure, highlighting that Fiji’s police force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions are capable of handling investigative and prosecutorial duties effectively. He stated, “There’s really no need for a special investigating and prosecuting arm of government when you already have established ones.”
This decision is also part of a larger initiative to correct what Rabuka describes as flawed decisions made by previous administrations. He reiterated the importance of breaking away from previous government practices, suggesting that without these changes, the nation would continue to suffer from past mistakes.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the process of legislative reform is already in progress, with the government starting to draft the necessary bills. He acknowledged that amending both the FICAC Act and certain provisions in the Constitution would be essential components of the proposed legislation. These amendments will be presented to Parliament for debate as part of the government’s comprehensive reform agenda.
While the complete details regarding the timeline for these legislative changes and any transitional arrangements for ongoing cases have yet to be disclosed, Rabuka’s commitment to reform indicates a proactive approach to modernizing Fiji’s governance structure. This initiative could potentially streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of the country’s legal system, fostering a more transparent and accountable government.