Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says scrutiny of public service must prioritise the wellbeing of Fiji over family connections, amid questions over alleged nepotism at the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Answering questions from the media, he said people should focus on how appointments serve the country rather than scrutinising family relationships.
“No, I am not worried about that, that is a fact of life and politics,” Mr Rabuka said.
“My most important relationship is government and Fiji and the Fijian people.
“Families do not matter. It is the people as a whole and the nation.”
The comments come after reports that Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rakoika hired the daughter of Fiji Sports Council chief executive Gilbert Vakalalabure, who is her niece, to work as a lawyer in the commission, and allegations that her husband, lawyer Tevita Vakalalabure, had access to sensitive case files.
The Judicial Services Commission is reviewing the claims. Mr Rabuka has said he would no longer deal directly with FICAC matters, and any updates would come from the JSC.
