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 for allegedly failing to declare all his assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election.
Rabuka cited a precedent he set with Kalaveti Ravu, a former Minister for Fisheries who was demoted to the backbench. Following the recent resignation of former Deputy FICAC Commissioner Francis Puleiwai, who authorized Prasad’s arrest, Rabuka expressed that the proper procedures would be followed regarding any developments in Prasad’s case.
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… As soon as he is arrested, it will come to me and when he is charged, he will have to carry out what is stated in the laws.”
Prasad has opted not to comment further on the issue, stating, “As I said, my lawyers have been handling the complaint from the beginning… there is no basis in the allegation and no basis of charge. That’s where the matter ends for me and I don’t wish to make any further comments.”
Fiji Sun attempted to contact the newly appointed FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali regarding any potential reassessment of Prasad’s situation, but she had not responded by the time the article was published. Malimali is the second person to fill this significant role, with Rashmi Aslam being the first Commissioner since FICAC’s establishment in 2007, assuming office in 2012.