Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has indicated that he would not hesitate to demote Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad to the backbench if he faces charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Prasad is currently under investigation by FICAC concerning accusations of failing to declare all his assets, income, and liabilities before the last election. Mr. Rabuka mentioned that he has set a precedent in this matter, referring to the case of former Minister for Fisheries Kalaveti Ravu, who is now a backbencher.
Francis Puleiwai, the former Deputy FICAC Commissioner, resigned unexpectedly on Thursday, the same day he authorized Prasad’s arrest. Mr. Rabuka stated, “Yes, that is the standing procedure with me, and Professor Biman Prasad had already briefed me on the possibility. There is nothing executive about that. It did not come to us that he had been arrested.”
He further noted, “As soon as he is arrested, it will come to me and when he is charged, he will have to adhere to the laws.”
Mr. Prasad has stated that his lawyers are now managing the situation and that he will refrain from making further comments. He expressed confidence in his legal representation, asserting that they have made it clear to FICAC that the allegations lack basis.
Fiji Sun attempted to contact the newly appointed FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali regarding a potential reassessment of Mr. Prasad’s charges, but she had not responded by the time of publication.
Barbara Malimali is the second individual to hold the significant position of FICAC Commissioner, following Rashmi Aslam, who was the first and served from 2012 after the establishment of FICAC in 2007.