Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad appeared before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull at the Suva High Court to contest a stay application. This case follows the recent transfer from Justice Dane Tuiqereqere’s court, as it is linked to a similar stay application filed by former Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica.
Professor Prasad faces charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) regarding an alleged failure to adhere to statutory disclosure requirements. Specifically, it is claimed that on December 30, 2015, while serving as an office holder of the National Federation Party, he failed to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited, as mandated by the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act of 2013. Additionally, he is charged with submitting a materially false statutory declaration by omitting this information.
During the proceedings, Justice Bull suggested that written submissions from both parties be filed by February 4 of next year, with the respondent’s submissions due by February 25. Initially, March 14 was proposed for a follow-up appearance coinciding with Kamikamica’s case, but following a request from Naidu, the date was rescheduled to March 15.
This legal development highlights the ongoing scrutiny of political figures in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to legal obligations by office holders. It remains to be seen how these cases will unfold in the coming months, but they underscore the commitment to upholding accountability in governance.
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