Corruption Haunts Financial Industries in Fiji Despite Government’s Promises to Eradicate It
Fiji’s newly elected government has been under fire for its plans to phase out the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) and incorporate its functions into other agencies. The move has been met with strong opposition from Transparency International and Integrity Fiji, who claim that such a step would undermine efforts to combat corruption in the country.
Progress at Risk
According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, released earlier this month, Fiji scored 53 out of 100, making it the highest scoring Pacific nation. However, experts warn that the country’s progress in combating corruption is at risk due to the government’s proposed changes to FICAC.
Concerns about Government Plans
Joseph Veramu, executive director of Integrity Fiji, expressed concerns about the government’s plans, stating:
“We applaud the new government for committing to repeal undemocratic laws and measures, but they cannot lose sight of anti-corruption efforts. Ensuring that FICAC remains operational, retains its independence, and has sufficient capacity to root out corruption across Fiji is crucial.”
Recommendations from Transparency International
Transparency International has called on the government to prioritize fighting corruption and address bottlenecks that currently limit FICAC’s work. The organization recommends a multi-stakeholder mechanism involving:
- Politicians
- The business community
- Civil society
with oversight over the commission to ensure its independence.
Funding for FICAC
Funding for FICAC has been a major issue in recent years, with the previous administration reducing funding to the agency and other public institutions. Transparency International urges the government to reverse this trend and provide sufficient resources for FICAC to effectively combat corruption.
Constitution and Accountability
The organization also points out that Fiji’s 2013 constitution provides for the establishment of an Accountability and Transparency Commission, which has been hindered by inadequate funding. Only by increasing support for these key mechanisms can Fiji continue to lead the region in combating corruption.
Experts’ View
Experts argue that a strong and independent anti-corruption agency is essential in eradicating corruption from financial industries and other sectors. Policymakers must identify the root causes of corruption and develop a multi-dimensional response, including:
- Proactive measures
- Reactive measures
The government’s proposal to shift all anti-corruption responsibilities to law enforcement agencies has been criticized for being insufficient. Instead, experts recommend strengthening FICAC’s independence and capacity to investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
Conclusion
As Fiji continues to grapple with the issue of corruption, it is clear that a robust and effective anti-corruption mechanism is crucial in maintaining the country’s progress and reputation as a leader in the region.