The Finance Minister has responded strongly, stating that his legal team has officially informed the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that the claims against him are “baseless.”
At a gathering at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad insisted that the allegations lack the substance necessary to justify filing charges. His remarks came after FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali indicated that a decision regarding his case would be made solely by the newly appointed commissioner.
Mr. Prasad was originally set to face charges for not declaring all assets, income, and liabilities before the previous election. Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC who was managing the investigation, expressed disappointment with the ongoing situation, labeling it “sad.”
The inquiry into Mr. Prasad’s actions was reportedly completed under Ms. Pulewai’s supervision, and charges were anticipated. However, the case is currently stalled following Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s accession as FICAC Chief.
Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, who is also under a FICAC complaint, described the accusation on Wednesday as “an act of malice.” Both former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment and have called for FICAC to move forward with charges against Mr. Prasad.
In his response, Mr. Prasad remarked, “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 represents Mr. Prasad’s first direct reply concerning the criticisms related to his FICAC case, although he opted not to provide any further comments.