The Minister for Finance has responded strongly, 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 claimed that the accusations lack sufficient merit to lead to charges. His remarks came after FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali indicated that the newly appointed commissioner would make the final decision regarding his case.
Mr. Prasad was initially expected to face charges for not declaring all his assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election. Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC who oversaw the investigation, voiced disappointment about the situation, labeling it as “sad.”
The inquiry into Mr. Prasad’s actions reportedly concluded under Ms. Pulewai’s guidance, and he was set to be charged. However, with Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s recent appointment as Chief of FICAC, the case is currently suspended.
In a related development, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who is also under investigation by FICAC, referred to the allegations against him as “an act of malice.” Criticism of Ms. Malimali’s appointment has emerged from former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube, who are urging FICAC to proceed with charges against Mr. Prasad.
In his rebuttal, Mr. Prasad stated, “I don’t need to respond to the likes of Chaudhry and Narube,” asserting that “My lawyers have made it clear to FICAC that there is no basis for a charge.” This represents Mr. Prasad’s initial direct response to the controversy surrounding his case with FICAC. He chose not to provide further comments.