Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has defended the expenditure of $88,597 on the tribunal investigation into Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde, calling critics of the spending hypocritical. In his statement, Prof Prasad emphasized the significance of maintaining a “proper, transparent process” in government proceedings. He noted that some of the critics fail to recall the circumstances under the previous administration when transparency was notably lacking.
Prof Prasad specifically pointed out the unresolved commission of inquiry into the former auditor-general during the term of former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, questioning why that report has not been released. He also referenced the dismissal of former solicitor-general Sharvada Sharma as lacking the transparency that is currently demanded regarding the tribunal report on Pryde.
Addressing the matter on social media, Prof Prasad remarked that the former attorney-general seems irrelevant and misguided for calling for the tribunal’s report’s release while neglecting the inquiries of past issues. He stated, “Sometimes there is a cost that you have to incur for a proper, transparent process.”
The tribunal investigating Pryde, composed of Justices Anare Tuilevuka, Chaitanya Lakshman, and Samuela Qica, has had its mandate extended twice since its establishment on March 5, 2024. It has been scrutinizing additional allegations regarding Pryde’s unauthorized receipt of superannuation payments totaling approximately $1,000 monthly from March 2012 to July 2023. Prof Prasad reaffirmed that the costs incurred represent a commitment to transparency, critical for restoring public trust in institutional governance.
As the investigation unfolds, it reflects a broader commitment to accountability and transparency, essential for upholding the rule of law and reinforcing confidence in Fiji’s judicial and governmental processes. The legacy of these proceedings may ultimately strengthen governance and public trust in legal institutions.
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