Local Fiji Media Criticised By Fiji’s Anti-Corruption Commission

This email landed in my inbox this afternoon and sent to a few Pacific journalists in the region.

From Fiji’s Independent Commission Against Corruption, Maraia Vavaitamana and directed to Fiji Times.

Ms Silaitoga,

I refer to the questions sent to FICAC yesterday and to your article today on the front page titled ‘Sacked – FICAC duo face the music for leaking information’

It is rather unfortunate that you have decided to write a speculative piece rather than waiting for an official response from FICAC.

Accordingly no further comment will be made on the questions posed.

What however is important to note is that FICACs’ stance on maintaining high standards will always be upheld.

FICAC does not, like all other credible Anti-Corruption Commissions tolerate any lowering of its standards.

It is also rather unfortunate that your newspaper including some other mainstream media has always tried to undermine the work of FICAC, rather than focusing on the positive steps taken in respect of curbing systematic corruption.

You must be reminded that the current Fiji Government has ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption. One of the key pillars within the Convention is the establishment of an independent Anti-Corruption Commission.

Your newspaper like other mainstream media should commend the virtues of the need of having an independent corruption commission to have an accountable, transparent and corruption free governmental agencies.

The United Nations Office of Crime and Drugs is very supportive of FICAC and upon its invitation, the Deputy Commissioner of FICAC is currently attending a UNCAC workshop in Vienna, Austria.

Fiji has also volunteered itself to be part of a pilot review program within which it will be independently assessed by two (2) party countries.

FICAC has received over 3000 complaints from members of the public of which more than 450 have been registered as cases to be investigated.

FICAC has also embarked on an Education and Awareness campaign in schools and the Public Service Commission Training Centre in its efforts to disseminate the message of the Evils of Corruption. Our officers have already visited about 15 high schools in the Northern and Eastern Divisions.  The feedback that we have received from the students, teachers and civil servants is very encouraging.

FICAC will continue to ensure that all measures are taken to curb corruption.

[Email from FICAC]

It refers to the following story posted here and published in the Fiji Times Online website. I am publishing both email and story because, from experience, unless you are on the ground in Fiji right now, given the ideological battles being waged in the media and with government over Fiji, it is hard to verify what is so.

From experience as former acting ed at Pacific Media Network, when I’d be checking stories, it seemed the telling of a story and, even the facts, changed according to who’s side you’re on as a Fijian.

I’m referring only to my experience on certain stories and it needs to be remembered that the situation and tensions in Fiji, between supporters of the legitimately elected Qarase and Bainimarama, is a very difficult one, indeed. It’s not an easy situation with New Zealand’s local Fiji communities either.

Let me stress New Zealand’s position on Fiji is that the country hold free and fair elections by March 2009.

Story appearing today in Fiji Times online which prompted the response from FICAC

Sacked

SERAFINA SILAITOGA
Wednesday, September 24, 2008

THE Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has sacked two officers and suspended a third.

One of the two officers terminated by the commission was based at the Labasa FICAC office while the other was a legal officer with the Suva office.

The third is also based in the Labasa office and is on suspension awaiting the completion of investigations.

Questions sent to FICAC’s spokeswoman Maraia Vavaitamana remained unanswered.

However, she said a response would be provided once the queries were seen by the FICAC head.

But according to reliable sources, the two terminated were sent home after it was revealed that they leaked confidential information to close friends in public.

The source said that the two leaked out information over top corruption cases of important people in society that’s being investigated by FICAC officers.

It is understood that the two used to work together in Labasa as civil servants and were close friends.

The other officer on suspension is believed to have been involved with financial elements of various cases he investigated.

“The officer had some mismanagement problems with funds and is believed to have used some for personal purposes,” a sorce within FICAC said.

“But that is yet to be confirmed and investigations is still being done by the FICAC officers.”

The two officers based in the Labasa office are former police officers.

The third previously worked for the Legal Aid Commission.

Last year former head of FICAC in Labasa Major Moti Jattan was also sent home on allegations of abuse of office.

Another officer was dismissed after he used an office vehicle for personal trips despite several verbal warnings.

[Fiji Times]

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