The Fiji Labour Party is urging the Prime Minister to reassign Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, to the backbenches following charges filed against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for submitting false statutory declarations with the Registrar of Political Parties.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry stated that it is appropriate for Prasad to be removed from his position as Head of the Fiji Delegation to COP 29, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in November, given the ongoing legal issues.
Chaudhry recalled a statement from the Prime Minister on September 8, where he indicated he would not hesitate to demote Prasad if he faced charges from FICAC. He pointed out that Prasad was officially charged on September 5 with multiple violations of the Political Parties Act and was to appear in court.
According to Chaudhry, an important event surrounding the urgent appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner coincided with Prasad’s charges. He suggested that the timing of her appointment was a political maneuver aimed at protecting Prasad from prosecution.
Chaudhry remarked that the situation raises significant concerns, and he noted that recent developments have led the Prime Minister to announce the formation of a Board of Inquiry to address issues of mistrust concerning Malimali’s appointment.
The Prime Minister concurred with Chaudhry that Malimali should temporarily step aside while an investigation into her appointment is carried out, highlighting the necessity for a thorough investigation to maintain the integrity of the process.
Chaudhry expressed that the FLP is now awaiting the Prime Minister’s response to these matters, emphasizing that any delays in initiating the proposed inquiry could undermine confidence in FICAC as a credible independent entity.