The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) is urging the Prime Minister to reassign Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad to the backbench. This request comes in light of charges against Prof Prasad by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for allegedly filing false statutory declarations with the Registrar of Political Parties.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry stated that it would be appropriate for Prof Prasad to also be replaced as the Head of the Fiji Delegation to COP 29 in Azerbaijan, especially given the ongoing legal proceedings. He referenced a previous statement made by the Prime Minister on September 8, in which the Prime Minister indicated he would not hesitate to demote Prof Prasad if he faced charges from FICAC.
Chaudhry pointed out that on September 5, Prof Prasad was indeed charged with multiple counts of violating the Political Parties Act and was scheduled to appear in court. He noted that this situation was influenced by the expedited appointment of Barbara Malimali as the Commissioner of FICAC on the same day, which Chaudhry claims was a politically motivated decision aimed at preventing Prof Prasad’s prosecution and arrest.
He emphasized that the timing of Malimali’s appointment raises serious questions. The Prime Minister has since announced plans for a Board of Inquiry to address the concerns surrounding Malimali’s appointment. Chaudhry underscored that the Prime Minister acknowledged the necessity of an investigation due to the numerous uncertainties related to Malimali’s resignation from the Electoral Commission and subsequent appointment as FICAC Commissioner.
Chaudhry concluded by stating that the FLP is now awaiting the Prime Minister’s action on this issue, warning that any delays in launching the proposed inquiry could undermine public confidence in FICAC as an independent body.