The Fiji Labour Party has urged the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to formally charge the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, for allegedly submitting false declarations with the Registrar of Political Parties.
In a statement, FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry noted that the Registrar of Political Parties had referred Prasad’s case to FICAC due to violations of the Political Parties Act. Chaudhry claimed that FICAC’s investigations reached completion, but attempts to charge Prasad were interrupted by the contentious appointment of Barbara Malimali as FICAC Commissioner and the resignation of Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner overseeing the investigations.
Chaudhry highlighted that Puleiwai had approved the charges and had communicated in writing that Prasad faced multiple counts for breaching specific provisions of the Political Parties Act.
The former Prime Minister expressed concern over the controversial events surrounding FICAC and their implications for the rule of law. He emphasized that it is now up to the Barbara Malimali-led FICAC to proceed with the charges to maintain its credibility as an independent body.
Chaudhry stated it is crucial for justice to be served for Prasad, who he claims has long evaded accountability. He also pointed out that Malimali should step aside given she was under investigation by FICAC for abuse of office at the time of her appointment, ensuring the investigation can proceed without interference.
Moreover, Chaudhry called on FICAC to swiftly continue its investigations into six other Cabinet ministers against whom complaints have been lodged. He noted that public demand for justice is evident through widespread condemnation on social media regarding the troubling developments at FICAC and the reluctance of authorities to act according to the rule of law.
In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, stated that his lawyers have formally rejected the allegations and referred all inquiries on the matter to his legal counsel.