The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has informed the Duva Magistrate Court that they are nearing completion on some agreed facts regarding the case of former Finance Minister and current member of Parliament, Professor Biman Prasad. The court was advised that a hearing for a stay application has been scheduled at the Suva High Court for March 19.
The case will be revisited on April 20, when a pre-trial conference is set to take place. Meanwhile, bail for Prasad has been extended.
Prasad faces allegations that he did not meet statutory disclosure requirements and provided false information in a statutory declaration. The accusations stem from a claim that, on December 30, 2015, Prasad, in his capacity as an officeholder of the registered National Federation Party, failed to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited. This omission is said to violate Section 24(1)(b)(iv) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, as it was not included in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities, and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties.
In addition, Prasad is charged with submitting a statutory declaration that was materially false due to the omitted information regarding his directorship. The continuing legal proceedings highlight ongoing efforts to uphold transparency and accountability within the political system.
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