The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has decided to conclude its investigation into Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, opting not to pursue prosecution related to a complaint about his asset declarations. The complaint was lodged by Alexander Forwood, an Australian citizen, who claimed that Prasad failed to comply with the declaration requirements under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.
Commissioner Barbara Malimali explained that the investigation, which included a personal interview with Prasad and a review of various documents, found no evidence that he intentionally provided false information in his declarations of income, assets, and liabilities for the years 2014 to 2023. Although there was ambiguity regarding the disclosure of his superannuation, the investigation concluded that Prasad’s role as party leader did not necessitate including this information, as the forms required by the Fijian Elections Office did not specify it.
Furthermore, Malimali stated that previous concerns regarding associations with organizations such as FEMLink Pacific and the Global Girmit Institute, as well as his links to Dr. Ganesh Chand, were also reviewed and dismissed, as they were shown not to involve reportable business transactions.
However, this conclusion comes amid increased scrutiny from opposition figures, particularly from the Fiji Labour Party (FLP), which has urged FICAC to expedite investigations into other Cabinet ministers who face similar allegations. FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed concerns about the necessity of accountability within the political landscape, emphasizing the public’s demand for transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
This situation underscores the ongoing dialogue in Fiji regarding the importance of clear and effective communication of legal requirements for public officials. Such transparency is vital to maintaining public trust and fostering an environment in which political integrity is upheld. The conclusion of this case for Prasad, while alleviating immediate pressures, highlights the need for future conversations on governance and accountability standards to enhance the public’s confidence in their leaders.
Leave a comment