The Finance Minister has responded firmly, stating that his legal team has officially informed the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that the allegations against him are “unfounded.”
During a speech at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad emphasized that the accusations are insufficient to justify any charges. His remarks came after FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali announced that a determination regarding his case will be made solely by the newly appointed commissioner.
Mr. Prasad was expected to face charges for allegedly failing to declare all assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election. Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC who led the investigation, expressed regret over the situation, describing it as “sad.”
The inquiry into Mr. Prasad’s actions was reportedly finished under Ms. Pulewai’s direction, and he was anticipated to be charged. However, since Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s appointment as the head of FICAC, the case has been put on hold.
Additionally, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who is also confronting a FICAC complaint, labeled the accusation as “an act of malice.” Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment and urged FICAC to pursue charges against Mr. Prasad.
In his rebuttal, 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 foundation for a charge.” This marks his initial direct response to the criticisms surrounding his FICAC case, although he opted not to comment further.