Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (13 February 2021): Fiji, PNG

FIJI

FICAC hits out at society.  The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has hit out at the Fiji Law Society’s comments that “corruption is not so complex – or so widespread”…FICAC said the statement was misconceived and delusional.

https://www.fijitimes.com/ficac-hits-out-at-society/

Fijian Parliament: Anti-Corruption Division Bill enacted.  The Anti-Corruption Division Bill was enacted by Parliament…[allowing] the establishment of a specialized division within the Fijian judicial system to solely deal with anti-corruption.

https://www.fijitimes.com/fijian-parliament-anti-corruption-division-bill-enacted/

Fiji does not make the rules for USP Council to operate, maintains it wants good governance.  Fijian Minister for Education, Rosy Akbar has stressed that good governance must be at the core of running the University of the South Pacific. https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-does-not-make-the-rules-for-the-usp-council-to-operate-akbar/

Fiji Opposition MP Nawaikula hints at military intervention against FijiFirst government. While debating on the Anti-Corruption Division Bill, Nawaikula, had this to say…In response, Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said it is unfortunate that despite the call of a supposed coup, no member of Opposition took offence with the comment.

https://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=3636082306024c4d6d89a85b3ed8ec

'Integrity comes from the top down': whistleblower vice-chancellor vows to fight on despite exile.  The corruption-busting university vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia, deported from Fiji over his efforts to expose financial mismanagement at the University of the South Pacific, has said he is determined to continue in his efforts to reform the university.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/08/integrity-comes-from-the-top-down-whistleblower-vice-chancellor-vows-to-fight-on-despite-exile

 

PNG

Fisheries plant on Australia's border could be used as cover for drugs, weapons and people smuggling, experts say.  “The Torres Strait has been a drug trafficking route for decades…and always with devastating consequences for local communities, where we’ve seen how the overflow of drugs can lead to corruption in local government and the erosion of traditional power structures,” an expert said.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/11/fisheries-plant-on-australias-border-could-cover-drugs-weapons-and-people-smuggling-experts-say

 

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact:

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.org