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 “unfounded.”
During a press conference at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad emphasized that the allegations lacked the seriousness needed to justify any charges. This comes after a remark from FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, indicating that a decision regarding his case would be made solely by the newly appointed commissioner.
Mr. Prasad was initially expected to face charges for not declaring all assets, income, and liabilities prior to the recent election. However, Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC overseeing the investigation, expressed his disappointment about the situation, calling it “unfortunate.”
The investigation into Mr. Prasad’s conduct reportedly wrapped up under Ms. Pulewai’s direction, and he was set to be charged. Nevertheless, the case is currently stalled following Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s subsequent appointment as FICAC Chief.
Additionally, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who is also under investigation by FICAC, characterized the accusations he faces as “malicious.” Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have both criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment, urging FICAC to move forward with charges against Mr. Prasad.
In his response, Mr. Prasad remarked: “I don’t need to address comments from Chaudhry and Narube. My lawyers have clarified to FICAC that there is no foundation for any charges.” This represents Mr. Prasad’s first direct rebuttal to the criticism surrounding his FICAC case, although he chose not to comment further.