The Finance Minister has responded to allegations against him, asserting that his legal team has officially informed the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that the claims are “baseless.”
During a statement at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad contended that the allegations lack sufficient substance to lead to any charges. His remarks follow a declaration from FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, who indicated that a decision regarding his case would be made solely by the newly appointed commissioner.
Mr. Prasad was previously expected to face charges related to the failure to declare all assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election. Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC overseeing the investigation, expressed disappointment over the situation, labeling it “sad.”
The inquiry into Mr. Prasad’s actions was reportedly concluded under Ms. Pulewai’s direction, with charges anticipated. However, the case is currently paused following Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Chief.
In related developments, Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, who is also facing a complaint from FICAC, characterized the accusation as “an act of malice.” Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have criticized the appointment of Ms. Malimali, urging FICAC to move forward with charges against Mr. Prasad.
In response to the criticism from Chaudhry and Narube, Mr. Prasad stated, “I don’t need to respond to the likes of Chaudhry and Narube,” adding that his lawyers have conveyed to FICAC that there is no basis for any charge. This represents Mr. Prasad’s first direct reaction to the scrutiny regarding his FICAC case, but he chose not to elaborate further.