The Minister for Finance has responded strongly, stating that his legal team has officially informed the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that the claims made against him are “without foundation.”
At a recent event held at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad claimed that the allegations do not hold sufficient weight to justify any charges. His remarks come in light of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s announcement that the newly appointed commissioner would make a decision regarding his case.
Mr. Prasad was initially expected to face charges for allegedly failing to fully declare his assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election. Former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Pulewai, who managed the investigation, expressed disappointment over the unfolding situation, labeling it “sad.”
The investigation into Mr. Prasad’s conduct reportedly concluded under Ms. Pulewai’s direction, and he was set to be charged. However, with Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s recent appointment as FICAC Chief, the case has been effectively paused.
Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who is also dealing with a FICAC complaint, referred to the accusations against him as “an act of malice” on Wednesday.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have criticized Ms. Malimali’s selection, urging FICAC to proceed with charges against Mr. Prasad. In response, Mr. Prasad stated, “I don’t need to respond to the likes of Chaudhry and Narube. My lawyers have clarified to FICAC that there is no basis for a charge.”
This marks Mr. Prasad’s first explicit reply to the criticism surrounding his case with FICAC, and he opted not to make any further comments.