Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) will be holding a national celebration at Sukuna Park today (Thursday, December 9) to observe the International Anti-Corruption Day.
The main focus of the celebration will be an anti-corruption exposition where agencies and government departments involved in the fight against corruption will put on displays on how they help safeguard this nation against corruption.
FICAC’s public affairs officer, Ms Erica Lee said some of the exhibitors include Transparency International, Border Control, Fiji Police Force, Department of Immigration, and many more.
“FICAC will also be launching our new Anti-Corruption Video, which shows the work of FICAC, and live footage of some of the major cases that FICAC has brought to court,” Ms Lee said.
“We will also have quizzes and other activities for members of the public to participate in.”
Ms Lee said that since inception in 2007 FICAC had completed 28 cases in the courts with 21 convictions and seven acquittals.
“We have brought about charges against 101 persons and about 70 cases are currently pending in the courts. This is a very encouraging result for a Commission that is only three years old,” Ms Lee said.
“FICAC has worked on a variety of cases ranging from abuse of office by high-ranking public officials like general managers and CEO’s to embezzlement by officer of post office involving a relieving postal
Assistant.
“We have brought charges of fraudulent conversion, theft and falsifying documents to the courts.”
“A former FICAC employee was recently convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment. This is a testament to the people of Fiji that FICAC does not show favour to anyone who involved in corruptive acts.”
She also emphasised that FICAC does not initiate investigations based on the monetary value involved as its stance is that whether it is $1 or $1million, all forms and levels of corruption will not be tolerated by FICAC.
“Regardless of whether there is a increase or decrease in corruption, FICAC will continue to actively combat corruption until the people of Fiji are living a life free of corruption,” Ms Lee said.
She called on the citizens of Fiji to help FICAC fight corruption, as all need to stand up against this epidemic.
“You can do this by reporting acts of corruption and not succumbing to the temptation,” Ms Lee said.
“You have a duty to yourself and to your fellow citizens to report any acts of corruption by calling toll free 1322-Vodafone and Digicel users, or emailing or calling FICAC at one of our three offices.”
The theme for this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day is ‘don’t let corruption kill development’.
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