Fiji's former attorney-general and minister of economy is being investigated in the wake of the country's recent national election for allegedly "inciting communal antagonism".
Police have issued a border alert for Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who is believed to be in Australia following his party's loss in the general election earlier this month.
The document, seen by the ABC, said Mr Sayed-Khaiyum left Fiji on December 26 and was yet to be dealt with in relation to the allegations.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum held multiple portfolios in the previous government, where he was seen as the main powerbroker and right-hand man to former prime minister Frank Bainimarama.
Their Fiji First party lost the 2022 election to a coalition of minor parties led by former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Mr Rabuka gave his first public address as Fiji's newly elected prime minister on Thursday night, saying the country was experiencing "a great and joyful awakening".
"It gladdens my heart to be a part of it," Mr Rabuka said.
"And I am reminded of the heavy responsibilities I now bear. I bear this willingly for you and for Fiji."
Police commissioner asked to step down
Earlier on Thursday, Fiji's new home affairs minister, Pio Tikoduadua, asked police commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho to resign from his position, citing a matter of confidence.
"We have an issue of his affiliation with the Bainimarama government. That is the matter, I will be honest with you," Mr Tikoduadua said.
It is understood Brigadier-General Qiliho declined to resign, asking for the issue to be dealt with through the Constitutional Offices Commission.
"I have been frank with him and I respect his rights under the law, and that is the course that it will take," Mr Tikoduadua said.
He did not elaborate on the exact nature of the allegations against Mr Sayed-Khaiyum and Brigadier-General Qiliho.
Mr Tikoduadua later confirmed to the ABC he had spoken with the police commissioner about the border alert issued by police against Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.
“He [Brigadier-General Qiliho] told me he is aware of it. He said it's a normal thing that police do to make those kinds of notifications,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
Last week, before the new government was sworn in, Brigadier-General Qiliho asked the Fijian military to assist police in enforcing security in the wake of the election, citing reports of threats against minority groups.
The move raised anxiety across the country, which has a history of military coups surrounding elections.
Both Mr Bainimarama and Mr Rabuka have instigated coups in the past.
PM Rabuka addresses the nation
In his address to the nation on Thursday evening, Mr Rabuka referenced the reports made by police and Fiji First of racial threats.
He said the people of Fiji dismissed the claims.
"You totally rejected reckless attempts to create fear and disruption by spreading lies alleging racial persecution and harassment in the aftermath of the election," Mr Rabuka said.
"None of the tall stories worked. They were widely ridiculed and debunked on the street and in the media.
"The people themselves reported that peace prevailed."
Mr Rabuka said his government would strive to deliver change in key areas, including legislative and constitutional reform.
"In a democracy, the people are in charge," he said.
"Elected representatives like me, and my parliamentary colleagues, do not lord it over you.
"We are your servants. We are here to listen to your concerns and respect your views."
Mr Rabuka also said his government would undertake a forensic examination of spending within the Bainimarama administration.
