ACTING Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Lavi Rokoika has called for the creation of a comprehensive Anti-Corruption Code to modernise Fiji’s legal framework and strengthen public confidence in the fight against corruption.
Speaking before the parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, she said the country’s current anti-corruption laws were fragmented, scattered across several pieces of legislation including the Crimes Act, Proceeds of Crime Act and other related statutes.
“I consider strengthening our national anti-corruption framework and improve public trust in the commission’s work,” Ms Rokoika said.
“I believe this is vital, since we are here before the committee, for us to touch on this aspect.
“I believe that Parliament should consider modernising FICAC’s legal framework. Maybe have an anti-corruption code, because right now we have the Crimes Act, Proceeds of Crime (Act), we have portions of laws here and there.”
She said having “one clean, modern anti-corruption code” would make FICAC’s work clearer, more consistent and effective.
Ms Rokoika also raised concerns about gaps in corporate governance laws, particularly regarding shareholder responsibilities and silent ownership, areas that she said were already well-covered in other jurisdictions.
“The other issue that we have here is corporate governance. I believe that right now this is not properly covered.
“Other jurisdictions have covered this in their law.”
