Press Release
FICAC will persist in executing its responsibilities in combatting corruption
Posted by Media Team 09 December 2024
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has assured the public that the Commission will persist in executing its responsibilities in upholding the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
This was shared by FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali during her speech yesterday to mark International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD), which is celebrated on 9 December.
While addressing stakeholders and FICAC staff at the IACD celebration at Albert Park in Suva, Malimali says IACD is an annual occasion that highlights the importance of anti-corruption and the role everyone plays in fighting it.
“Corruption can undermine democratic institutions and reduce trust in governance systems. Corruption is a parasite and a blight, it consumes a society's resources, undermines its systems, and ultimately jeopardizes its overall well-being; in this instance, it devastates our country and compromises the future of our children by obstructing nation-building and economic development.”
The theme for this year’s IACD is “Support FICAC To Fight Corruption, Promote Transparency and Uphold Integrity in Whole of Government and Society”, which Malimali says requires the support of society.
In particular, Malimali was pleased to see students from the three prominent tertiary institutions, University of the South Pacific, Fiji National University and University of Fiji in attendance at the IACD celebrations.
According to Malimali, young people have dreams and aspirations but they are also significantly affected by corruption.
The Commissioner says our youth have the potential to become powerful agents in the fight for a future rooted in integrity.
“By promoting integrity and ethical behaviour, young people can drive meaningful change. Additionally, they can develop innovative solutions to address corruption on a global scale.”
The event also marked the official launch of the official song for FICAC’s IACD celebrated, titled, “Support FICAC”, which was created using Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically, through the Suno music production app and Vizzy, for generating visual sound waves.
Preceding the formal program at Albert Park, the IACD celebrations began with a march through Suva City, beginning at the Flea Market, whereby FICAC staff, including Commissioner Malimali were joined by representatives from our stakeholders in the public and private sector.
The program ended with the cutting of the cake, where the Commissioner was joined by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Manager Anti-Corruption Advisor & Officer in Charge Pacific Marie Pegie Cauchois, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) Chief Executive Officer Joeli Cawaki and Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCS) Senior Manager Taxpayer Education Vilimone Nailotei.
Commissioner Malimali rounded off her speech by reminding the public that building a just world and a sustainable planet is only possible if corruption does not stand in the way, adding that united, we can combat corruption.
