QUESTIONS over the value of public funds spent on the Commission of Inquiry have been dismissed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
He says the exercise has served its purpose despite some cases ending with no case to answer rulings or not guilty verdicts.
“It is worth it, the very fact that people out there know that if they do something questionable, they will be subjected to investigative arms of the government,” he said.
Mr Rabuka maintained that the Commission of Inquiry’s role ended once it submitted its findings and recommendations, saying decisions on whether criminal charges should follow rested with prosecuting authorities.
“The report comes out as the report, it’s taken to the President, the President gives it to me, and I channel the report and the various recommendations on to the various branches that can prosecute.”
“The Commission of Inquiry does not prosecute.”
He said the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption and Police determined whether the report’s recommendations warranted further investigations or prosecutions.
“The credibility of the COI report and its recommendations will have to be determined by the court — if they recommend to investigate further and prosecute, if they find merits in prosecution.”
Mr Rabuka said some matters arising from the report had already been tested in court and dismissed. He also said the constitutional provisions governing FICAC would remain in force until amended through the constitutional process, including parliamentary approval and a national referendum.
