The National Federation Party says a proposed law governing the conduct of Fiji's public officials will discourage transparency.
The flag of Fiji flies atop the parliament buildings in Suva. Photo: RNZ / Jamie Tahana
The Code of Conduct Bill is out for public consultation and submissions are being heard this week in the west and north of the country.
The bill lays out the code of conduct for officials as well as rules for a new Accountability and Transparency Commission which would enforce the code.
The NFP said it agreed a code of conduct was needed but it had strong reservations about the bill in its current form.
The party's submission said people will be discouraged from lodging complaints because of the possibility of being punished.
The bill proposes a fine of up to $FJ10,000 or up to five years in jail for those making malicious or politically motivated complaints.
The party warned the commission will be a toothless tiger against the people it should control while being a threat to those who complain.