The Fiji Labour Party has urged the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to promptly charge Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad for allegedly submitting false declarations to the Registrar of Political Parties.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry stated that the matter was referred to FICAC by the Registrar due to violations of the Political Parties Act. Chaudhry expressed concern over the disruption of FICAC’s investigations following the controversial appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner and the resignation of Francis Puleiwai, the Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner overseeing the case.
Chaudhry highlighted that Puleiwai had approved the charges against Prasad and formally notified that he was charged with multiple counts of violating S24(1)(b)(iv) of the Political Parties Act. The former Prime Minister criticized the recent troubling developments at FICAC, asserting these actions raise serious questions about the integrity of the rule of law.
He stated it is essential for the new FICAC leadership under Malimali to move forward with the charges to uphold the Commission’s credibility as an independent institution. Chaudhry called for accountability for Prasad, who he believes has evaded responsibility for too long.
He also suggested that Malimali, who is herself under investigation by FICAC for alleged abuse of office, should step aside to avoid any conflict of interest during the investigation process. Furthermore, Chaudhry urged FICAC to expedite its inquiries into six other Cabinet ministers associated with complaints lodged with the Commission.
Chaudhry noted that the public is demanding justice, as evidenced by widespread outrage on social media regarding the developments at FICAC and officials’ reluctance to adhere to the rule of law.
In response, Professor Biman Prasad stated that his legal team has formally rejected the allegations and directed all inquiries to his lawyers on the issue.