The Fiji Labour Party is urging the Prime Minister to move Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, to the backbenches. This request comes after Prasad was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for allegedly filing false statutory declarations with the Registrar of Political Parties.
FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry stated that it would be appropriate for Prasad to also be relieved of his duties as the head of the Fiji Delegation to COP 29 in Azerbaijan this November, considering the pending charges against him.
Chaudhry reminded the Prime Minister of his previous statement made on September 8, in which he indicated that he would not hesitate to demote Prasad if he faced charges from FICAC. According to Chaudhry, Prasad was officially charged with multiple counts of breaching the Political Parties Act on September 5.
The former Prime Minister suggested that the rapid appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of FICAC on the same day was a move to protect Prasad from charges and potential arrest. He emphasized that the coincidence raised significant concerns.
Chaudhry noted that following these developments, the Prime Minister announced plans to establish a Board of Inquiry to address the mistrust surrounding Malimali’s appointment. The Prime Minister acknowledged the need for a proper investigation into Malimali’s resignation from the Electoral Commission and her subsequent role at FICAC, agreeing with Chaudhry that she should step aside during the inquiry.
Chaudhry expressed that the FLP is now awaiting action from the Prime Minister and warned that any delays in beginning the proposed inquiry could undermine public confidence in FICAC as an independent entity.