FICAC’s role

Nandni Vandhana Public Relations Officer Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption ,

Suva This is in response to Tomasi Boginiso’s letter to the editor dated 28 September 2016. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) acknowledges the concerns put forth by the writer. While Government ministries have internally built structures to look into misuse of Government funds, FICAC as the legitimate anti – corruption agency in the country is mandated by law to investigate and prosecute corruption related offences in the public sector. This should not be viewed as ‘outsourcing’ an investigation to another institution but a lawful process to bring the wrongdoers before the court of law. History shows that mere internal disciplinary actions alone would not be sufficient to deter the wrongdoers and perpetrators without any measures under punitive justice system.

Public sector in this context refers to anyone who receives payments from Government ministries/departments and Government statutory bodies in the form of wages, salary or for any service provided to the stated institutions.

The complexity of corruption related offences require adequate and proper resources such as specialised investigators and equipment hence cases are referred to FICAC. FICAC encourages institutions and members of the public to report corruption related matters to the Commission. In doing so, one makes a commitment to prevent corruption at all levels in the country for the better welfare of all Fijians.