A leaked document alleged to be the final report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) commissioner has revealed claims that the anti-corruption body was “weaponised” to target political opponents – not only under the former FijiFirst government, but also under the current Coalition administration.
According to the alleged report, the term “weaponisation” was repeatedly raised during the inquiry, describing how FICAC’s broad powers were allegedly misused to pursue politically motivated investigations.
“Throughout the inquiry, the COI heard about the ‘weaponisation’ of FICAC, a term used to refer to the manner in which FICAC was used by the previous regime to target political foes,” it said.
“Sadly, the ‘weaponisation’ of FICAC did not go out with the last regime.”
The document also highlights FICAC’s dual powers to investigate and prosecute, a combination not held by other institutions such as the Fiji Police or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
“Unlike the Fiji Police who retain only an investigatory function, with the exception of minor offences, and unlike the DPP, who only have prosecutorial, and not investigative functions, FICAC’s power is complete and concentrated in the one organisation. It has the full powers to investigate and to prosecute.”
The report also claims a breach of FICAC’s constitutionally required independence.
“Obviously, the requirement under the Constitution that FICAC be independent was on this occasion breached,” it stated.
The Government has yet to officially publish or comment on the authenticity of the leaked document.
