The Finance Minister has responded strongly, stating that his legal team has officially informed the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that the claims against him are “unfounded.”
During a speech at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad emphasized that the allegations lack the seriousness needed to pursue charges. This statement comes after FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali indicated that the decision regarding his case would be made solely by the newly appointed commissioner.
Mr. Prasad was initially expected to face charges for not declaring all assets, income, and liabilities prior to the last election. Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC who was leading the investigation, expressed disappointment at the current circumstances, labeling them “sad.”
Under Ms. Pulewai’s oversight, the probe into Mr. Prasad’s actions was said to be concluded, with charges anticipated. However, after Ms. Pulewai’s resignation and Ms. Malimali’s assumption of the FICAC Chief position, the case is now suspended.
In other developments, Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, who is also implicated in a FICAC complaint, referred to the allegations as “an act of malice.”
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have criticized Ms. Malimali’s appointment and urged FICAC to expedite charges against Mr. Prasad.
In reply, Mr. Prasad remarked, “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 is Mr. Prasad’s first direct engagement with the criticism surrounding his FICAC case, although he chose not to provide further comments.