John Rabuku, Barbara Malimali, Siromi Turaga and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has responded to concerns regarding recent images of Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption Commissioner Barbara Malimali, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution John Rabuku, and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga.

The images which surfaced following an event hosted by the Ministry of Justice for Japanese dignitaries have drawn attention as both Turaga and Malimali are currently under investigation by Fiji Police and FICAC.

Many are comparing the incident to the suspension of former Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde, who was removed from his position after being seen socializing with former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at a diplomatic event.

Questions are being asked whether similar standards will be applied in this case.

Rabuka while addressing these concerns today stated that any formal complaint will need to be properly assessed before any action is taken

“They were appointed by the proper authorities, and during their term in office these things have come up. So it will be up to the proper authorities to determine their future.”

Rabuka also says that any decision to suspend those in question will have to come from the Constitutional Officers’ Commission.

“The decision to suspend will have to come from the Commission, the Constitutional Officers’ Commission, because it involves some of those that are appointed by the COC, and some that are appointed by other authorities. So we will have to await the decision of those before we can suspend those that are implicated. And following the suspension will be the assembly of investigating arms or bodies that will investigate the incidents and recommend back to COC whether they be terminated or reinstated.”

FBC News understands a complaint has been lodged with the Judicial Services Commission in relation to this matter.