A defamation lawsuit may be forthcoming against former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry following his accusations against Finance Minister Biman Prasad. This development arises from Mr. Chaudhry’s request for the government to reveal detailed financial accounts concerning the 2023 Girmit celebrations.
Mr. Chaudhry criticized Minister Prasad, who is currently being investigated by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), for not providing a breakdown of the $500,000 allocated for the celebrations. He claimed that a significant portion of these funds was awarded to a discredited institution led by Prasad’s wife and a political associate.
The remarks were made following a critique of a lavish dinner at the Grand Pacific Hotel, hosted by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for government ministers and their partners.
In his statement, Mr. Chaudhry pointed out various alleged operational flaws within the government that he believes warrant public scrutiny. This includes references to a drug and sexual misconduct scandal involving two ministers who continue to hold cabinet positions.
Minister Prasad responded strongly to Mr. Chaudhry’s comments, labeling him as “the biggest crook” and accusing him of concealing $2 million in Australia. Prasad emphasized that Chaudhry, being a convicted criminal, is the least credible source regarding the funding for the Girmit celebrations, which he insists involves two separate components: the celebration itself and a conference. Prasad stated that they would see Mr. Chaudhry in court soon for defamation and false statements concerning the matter.