The Fijian Elections Office has referred a matter regarding a National Federation Party member of Parliament to Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption.

The High Court in Lautoka has found National Federation Party member of Parliament Prem Singh to have breached the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Decree 2013.

It has also found that Singh breached currency controls by taking up to AU$50,000 (FJ$77,979.78) out of Fiji.

These were disclosed during a civil action between Singh and his brother Rajend Singh over properties that the two were disputing.

The matter was held before Justice R S S Sapuvida who in his ruling found that Singh had made false declaration in the Political Parties decree by under declaring value of estate held in Nadi. While Singh declared $2.26 million as the value of the estate, evidence given in court revealed that it was worth about $5million.

Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem who arrived into the country yesterday said: “The FEO has referred this matter to FICAC as per the Electoral Decree.”

In his judgment which was made on 6 September, Justice Sapuvida said: “The conduct of the second defendant (Singh) in breaching the currency controls by taking AU$50,000 (FJ$77,979.78) in case out of Fiji as testified by PW6- at least $25,000 has been taken out of Fiji by the 2nd defendant (Singh) and in making a false declaration under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Decree 2013 shows a complete disregard for compliance with his legal obligations.”

Mr Singh has since said he would appeal the matter.

Edited by Maraia Vula

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