The Finance Minister has responded firmly, stating that his legal team has officially informed the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that the claims against him are “baseless.”
During an event at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad emphasized that the allegations do not have sufficient merit to lead to charges. His remarks follow FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s announcement that a decision regarding his case will be made exclusively by the newly appointed commissioner.
Mr. Prasad was originally expected to face charges for not declaring all assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election. Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, who was in charge of the investigation, expressed his disappointment, labeling the situation as “sad.”
The investigation into Mr. Prasad’s actions was reported to have concluded while Ms. Pulewai was in charge, and he was expected to be charged. However, following Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s takeover as FICAC Chief, the case is currently suspended.
Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who is also facing a FICAC complaint, described the allegations as “an act of malice.” Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube criticized the appointment of Ms. Malimali, calling on FICAC to move forward with charges against Mr. Prasad.
In reaction, 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 statement serves as Mr. Prasad’s first direct reply to the criticism related to his FICAC case, although he chose not to elaborate further.