The Fiji Labour Party is urging the Prime Minister to reassign Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, to the backbenches. This call follows the charges brought against Prof Prasad by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for submitting false statutory declarations to the Registrar of Political Parties.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry stated that Prof Prasad should also be removed from his role as the Head of the Fiji Delegation to COP 29, scheduled for November in Azerbaijan, due to the ongoing legal issues.
Chaudhry referenced a previous statement from the Prime Minister, made on September 8, indicating readiness to demote Prasad if he faced charges from FICAC. He noted that on September 5, Prasad was indeed charged with multiple violations of the Political Parties Act and was scheduled for court proceedings.
The former Prime Minister pointed out that events surrounding the hurried appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of FICAC on the same day as Prasad’s charges raise concerns. He suggested that this timing was a deliberate political maneuver to prevent Prasad’s prosecution.
Chaudhry remarked that the situation is too coincidental to overlook. Subsequent disclosures have led the Prime Minister to announce plans for a Board of Inquiry aimed at addressing the growing suspicion regarding Malimali’s appointment.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the numerous questions linked to Malimali’s resignation from the Electoral Commission and her subsequent FICAC role, indicating that a thorough investigation is essential to uphold the integrity of the process. He concurred with Chaudhry that Malimali should step aside during the inquiry.
Chaudhry concluded by stating that the FLP is now waiting for the Prime Minister to take action on these matters, warning that any delay in initiating the inquiry could further undermine confidence in FICAC as an independent body.