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 “baseless.”
During a speech at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad emphasized that the claims do not hold sufficient weight for any charges to be filed. His remarks come after FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali indicated that the decision regarding his case would be made solely by the newly appointed commissioner.
Mr. Prasad was previously facing charges for allegedly failing to declare all assets, income, and liabilities before the last election. Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, who had been managing the investigation, expressed disappointment over the developments, calling the situation “sad.”
The inquiry into Mr. Prasad’s actions was reportedly concluded under Ms. Pulewai’s guidance, with charges anticipated. However, following Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali taking over as FICAC Chief, the case is now on hold.
Additionally, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who is also under a FICAC complaint, referred to the accusations as “an act of malice” on Wednesday. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment, urging FICAC to move forward with charges against Mr. Prasad.
In reaction to the criticism from Chaudhry and Narube, 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 response marks Mr. Prasad’s first direct reply to the scrutiny surrounding his FICAC case, although he chose not to comment further.