Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry emphasized that the case against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad is a matter for the Court to decide, not for his legal representatives. Chaudhry’s remarks come in response to Prasad’s statements concerning charges filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) related to the misreporting of assets, income, and liabilities, as outlined in the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
FICAC planned to charge Prasad on September 5, and he has maintained that his lawyers are managing the case and have opted not to provide further commentary. The situation took a turn on the same day with the resignation of former Deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, who stepped down after discussions with the Judicial Services Commission. Barbara Malimali has since been appointed as her replacement.
Chaudhry dismissed Prasad’s assertions that his legal team is contesting the charges, stating it is ultimately up to the judicial system to evaluate the validity of the accusations.