The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has urged the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to promptly charge Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, for several instances of submitting false declarations to the Registrar of Political Parties.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry stated that the Registrar of Political Parties referred Prasad’s case to FICAC due to violations of the Political Parties Act.
Chaudhry noted that FICAC had concluded its investigations, but efforts to charge Prasad were halted following the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner, alongside the sudden resignation of Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner responsible for the case.
Puleiwai had approved the charges against Prasad and had informed that he faced multiple counts for contravening Section 24(1)(b)(iv) of the Political Parties Act.
The former Prime Minister expressed concern regarding the tumultuous situation within FICAC, emphasizing its potential impact on the rule of law’s integrity. He asserted that it is essential for Malimali and FICAC to move forward with the charges to maintain the Commission’s credibility as an independent body.
Chaudhry insisted that justice must be served for Prasad, who has purportedly evaded accountability. He also remarked that Malimali should step aside amid her own FICAC investigation for abuse of office, allowing the inquiry to proceed without interference.
In addition, Chaudhry called for FICAC to expedite investigations into six other Cabinet ministers who have also faced complaints. He highlighted a growing public demand for justice, reflected in widespread condemnation on social media regarding the troubling developments at FICAC and the apparent reluctance of officials to uphold the rule of law.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad stated that his lawyers have addressed FICAC, rejecting the accusations. He has referred all inquiries regarding the matter to his legal representatives.