Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, was granted a non-cash bail of $10,000 by the Suva Magistrates Court following charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This development marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Fiji as it raises questions about the integrity and transparency of public officials.
Prasad, represented by lawyer Richard Naidu, faces allegations of not complying with statutory disclosure requirements under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013. Specifically, he is accused of failing to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited in his annual asset declaration submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties as mandated since December 30, 2015. Furthermore, he is charged with providing false information in a statutory declaration, leading to claims that he submitted materially false documents.
The court proceedings revealed a conflict of interest on behalf of Magistrate Yogesh Prasad, who disclosed that he had purchased a property from Biman Prasad back in 2010. Despite this, both parties agreed to continue with the case. FICAC confirmed that they have served full-phase disclosures regarding the charges.
In light of the allegations, Prasad’s legal counsel indicated intentions to file for a permanent stay in the High Court, citing concerns over the validity of the FICAC Commissioner’s appointment and the significant amount of time elapsed since the alleged infractions took place. While FICAC did not impose strict bail conditions on Prasad, he is required to inform the court and FICAC should he travel outside the jurisdiction.
This development comes amid heightened scrutiny within the Fiji government, especially following recent charges against another senior Cabinet member. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed confidence in maintaining the stability of his coalition government despite these legal challenges.
The matter will be revisited in court on November 8, as the political situation continues to evolve, emphasizing a critical need for discussions around ethics and accountability within Fiji’s governance. This incident not only highlights the importance of integrity in leadership but also presents an opportunity for potential reforms aimed at fostering public trust in governmental institutions.
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