GOVERNMENT has not made any offer to former Deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Puleiwai following the release of the 648-page Commission of Inquiry report on suspended Commissioner Barbara Malimali.
This was confirmed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka who pointed out he had only requested Ms Puleiwai to be ready with a decision when Government presents options based on the COI recommendations.
Mr Rabuka was responding to this newspaper’s queries on Ms Puleiwai’s intensions to return to the country and resume her role at FICAC.
“After reading the report and its recommendations, I asked her to be ready to exercise her choice if and when Government decides to give her the options recommended,” Mr Rabuka said.
“The Government has not offered her the options.”
This newspaper unsuccessfully reached out to Ms Puleiwai for further comments on the Prime Minister’s statement.
In an earlier interview, however, Ms Puleiwai had said she reached out to the Prime Minister expressing her intensions to return to the country and was awaiting a response.
On Saturday, while officiating at a Lupus Foundation fundraiser, Mr Rabuka explained how the week became “overwhelming” following the dismissal of key legal figures.
“I shouldn’t be seen in a social gatherings while everybody is calling out for my action in other areas of Government,” Mr Rabuka said.
“People are calling out for my comment on this question or that, and I believe the press will be anywhere.
“I was looking forward to just being with my great-grandchildren after a very hectic week, attending to functions and hiding from the press.”
Meanwhile, Opposition MP Jone Usamate said Ms Puleiwai’s return was a positive step forward.
“It is encouraging that she has expressed her willingness to serve Fiji once again,” Mr Usamate said.
“Even more importantly she can do so free from external interference with full independence and integrity.
“Her reinstatement underscores the importance of strong impartial institutions, something the Opposition has consistently called for.
“Leadership must be based on merit and commitment to public service, not political convenience.”
