May Be An Inside Joke, But in Public It’s a Shame
Inside joke: MPs may have decided that they do not want to be interviewed by FICAC, therefore are spending time outside of Suva.
Now, it is very important to note that none of these MPs have been charged or found guilty.
ASocial Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) insider had a funny story to share yesterday.
The insider shared that most of their Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been allegedly implicated in a Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) complaint lodged by the Secretary-General to Parliament Viniana Namosimalua have decided they prefer spending time outside of Suva.
Why? The inside joke is that these MPs may have decided that they do not want to be interviewed by FICAC, therefore are making it harder to be tracked down.
While this may be a laughing matter among those within SODELPA who feel that the MPs should not play hide and seek with FICAC, this is a serious issue.
We have often seen when parliamentarians overseas are implicated in any issue, either involving money or a complaint of sexual harassment, they are quick to call a press conference, give their side of the story and step aside while they wait for investigations to complete.
They step aside because they do not anyone to claim that they interfered in investigations while holding their office.
If what the SODELPA insider has to say is correct, then it is a very sorry state of affairs for the main Opposition Party. Sitiveni Rabuka should have called up all the MPs who were allegedly implicated and asked them to step aside and demand that they co-operate with FICAC investigations.
Now, it is very important to note that none of these MPs have been charged or found guilty.
But, because they hold a public office and are elected into office, their duty is to uphold the law.
All should have voluntarily gone to FICAC and given their statements by now.
Mr Rabuka should have held them accountable as Party Leader. But, because his own hold on the Party is so weak, he does not want to rock the boat.
This is how he would have been as a Prime Minister?
Would he have been willing to look the other way as long as his seat is safe?
Not leadership that listens, rather leadership out to save his own seat?