Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says it will be improper for Cabinet to set the terms of reference for an inquiry into Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC).

This, he states is due to Cabinet ministers who were or are being investigated by FICAC.

“Fiji Labour Party is also somewhat apprehensive of the PM’s remark that the terms of reference and appointment of the proposed inquiry will be discussed in Cabinet next Tuesday,” said Mr Chaudhry.

“It must be remembered that some seven-eight Cabinet ministers are/were the subject of an investigation by FICAC following complaints lodged by the Registrar of Political Parties. There is a glaring conflict of interest here.

“Should these ministers be allowed to determine the terms of reference of the inquiry and a say on who will be appointed to serve on it.”

Mr Chaudhry has reiterated the manner in which Barbara Malimali was appointed as FICAC commissioner was wrong.

“The timing of it clearly smacked of an attempt to interfere with the work of an independent authority and to block the very imminent arrest of Finance Minister Biman Prasad on multiple charges of filing false financial information with the Registrar of Political Parties under Section 24 of the Political Parties Act.”