The Fiji Labour Party is urging the Prime Minister to reassign Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad to the backbench. This call comes amid allegations from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that Prasad has filed false statutory declarations with the Registrar of Political Parties.
In a statement, FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry emphasized the need for Prasad to be replaced as the Head of the Fiji Delegation to COP 29 in Azerbaijan in November, given the ongoing charges against him. Chaudhry referenced the Prime Minister’s previous remarks made on September 8, indicating he would not hesitate to demote Prasad if charges were to arise from FICAC.
Chaudhry pointed out that on September 5, Prasad was indeed charged by FICAC with multiple violations of the Political Parties Act and was scheduled to appear in court. He alleged that this was overshadowed by the swift appointment of Barbara Malimali as Commissioner of FICAC on the same day. Chaudhry suggested that the timing was politically motivated to shield Prasad from being charged or arrested.
He noted that the recent disclosures have led the Prime Minister to announce an impending Board of Inquiry to address concerns about Malimali’s appointment. Chaudhry highlighted the numerous questions surrounding Malimali’s resignation from the Electoral Commission before becoming Commissioner of FICAC, and he insisted on the necessity of a thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of the process.
The Prime Minister has also expressed agreement with Chaudhry that Malimali should step aside while the inquiry is conducted. Chaudhry stated that the FLP is now awaiting the Prime Minister’s action on the issue, cautioning that any delays in initiating the proposed inquiry could further undermine public trust in FICAC as an independent institution.