The Minister for Finance has responded firmly, stating that his legal representatives have officially informed the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that the allegations made against him are “baseless.”
At a press event held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad emphasized that the evidence presented is insufficient to justify any charges. His remarks come in light of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s recent announcement that the decision regarding his case will be determined solely by the newly appointed commissioner.
Mr. Prasad was previously expected to face charges for not disclosing all assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election. Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC who managed the investigation, expressed disappointment over the developments, deeming them “sad.”
The investigation into Mr. Prasad’s actions was said to have been completed during Ms. Pulewai’s tenure, and he was anticipated to be charged. However, with Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s subsequent appointment as FICAC Chief, the case has been placed on hold.
In a related matter, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who is also facing a FICAC complaint, dismissed the accusation made against him on Wednesday as “an act of malice.”
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have expressed their disapproval of Ms. Malimali’s appointment and urged FICAC to move forward with charges against Mr. Prasad. In reply, Mr. Prasad stated, “I don’t need to respond to the likes of Chaudhry and Narube. My lawyers have made it clear to FICAC that there is no basis for a charge.” This marks Mr. Prasad’s first direct rebuttal to the criticism related to his FICAC case, although he declined to provide further comments.