The Fiji Labour Party is urging the Prime Minister to reassign Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, to the backbench following charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). These charges relate to allegations of filing false statutory declarations with the Registrar of Political Parties.
In a statement, FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry asserted that Professor Prasad should also be removed from his role as head of the Fiji delegation to COP 29 in Azerbaijan set for November, given the pending legal issues. Chaudhry pointed out that the Prime Minister had previously indicated his willingness to demote Prasad if he faced charges from FICAC, a statement made public on September 8.
Chaudhry noted that Prasad was charged on September 5 with multiple counts of violating the Political Parties Act and that court proceedings were forthcoming. He critiqued the circumstances surrounding the swift appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of FICAC on that same day, suggesting that the move was politically motivated to protect Prasad from potential arrest.
Chaudhry described the timing of Malimali’s appointment as a significant coincidence that could not be overlooked. Since these revelations, the Prime Minister announced plans to establish a Board of Inquiry to address the public skepticism surrounding Malimali’s appointment.
According to Chaudhry, the Prime Minister acknowledged the need for clarity regarding Malimali’s resignation from the Electoral Commission and her subsequent appointment as FICAC Commissioner, underscoring the importance of an investigation to uphold the integrity of the process. The Prime Minister agreed with Chaudhry that Malimali should step aside during the inquiry.
Chaudhry concluded by stating that the FLP is awaiting the Prime Minister’s action on this issue, emphasizing that any delays in conducting the proposed inquiry could further undermine public confidence in FICAC as an independent body.