FICAC investigates minister

A CABINET minister is being investigated by FICAC for allegations relating to the $US55million ($F122m) Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed the Public Service Commission had referred this matter to FICAC.

“It was the Public Service Commission that referred it to FICAC,” he said, referring to the PPA.

“In fact, the chairman of the Commission, Luke Rokovada, brought it up and initiated an investigation on the public servants involved.

“One of the Deputy Prime Ministers had also raised his concern and this triggered the investigation on the minister with allegations relating to the Power Purchase Agreement.”

He said another minister is under internal investigation which is in progress.

On whether the two ministers were being investigated for allegedly failing to resign as owners and directors from their companies, Mr Rabuka said all Cabinet ministers who owned companies should have resigned when they took up public office.

“It has not come up in what I know, that might be the subject of some discussions outside official channel.

“But as soon as they are appointed ministers, we are required to make submissions of assets and liability to our respective parties and the Secretary to Cabinet.”

The Prime Minister was also asked if a Cabinet minister’s company is included in the list approved to purchase beach-de-mer from fishermen, Mr Rabuka said he wasn’t aware as no report had reached his office.

He reiterated that he would take action if such matters were reported to his office.