Fiji’s Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, has defended the expenditure of $88,597 related to the tribunal investigation of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde. Addressing the criticism, Prasad branded the attackers as hypocritical and underscored the importance of a “proper, transparent process” in government affairs.

Prasad pointed out that some critics seem to have a selective memory regarding events from previous administrations when transparency was often lacking. He specifically mentioned the unresolved commission of inquiry into the former auditor-general during the tenure of former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and questioned why that report has never been disclosed. He further highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the dismissal of former solicitor-general Sharvada Sharma, indicating a double standard in the current accountability expectations.

In a pointed response to the former attorney-general’s calls for the tribunal’s report, Prasad stated, “The former attorney-general, who is irrelevant to this matter, is demanding the release of the tribunal report while it is still under the President’s review.” He emphasized that the costs associated with the tribunal are necessary for maintaining the integrity of the investigation and reinstating trust in Fiji’s governance.

The tribunal itself was established on March 5, 2024, and has had its mandate extended twice while investigating claims of unauthorized superannuation payments totaling about $1,000 monthly, dating back to March 2012. With 29 briefings and a number of hearings conducted, the tribunal’s work aims to solidify public confidence in the judicial system and governmental processes.

Moving forward, there is a hopeful sentiment that this thorough investigation will promote accountability, reinforce transparency, and ultimately restore faith in Fiji’s legal institutions. The commitment to an open and accountable governance process reflects a significant step toward enhancing public trust and ensuring justice prevails in the country’s operations.