The trial of SODELPA Member of Parliament Ratu Suliano Matanitobua will resume on Monday next week.

This was after Matanitobua’s lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo fell sick and was unable to continue with the trial.

Matanitobua is charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with one count of giving false information to a public servant and one count of obtaining financial advantage.

It is alleged that the MP breached the Parliamentary Remuneration Act of 2014 when they claimed travel and accommodation allowances they were not entitled to. The allegations were brought by the former Parliament secretary-general, Viniana Namosimalua.

Matanitobua is alleged to have falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Namosi Village, Namosi, and allegedly obtained $38,378.22 between August 2019 and April 2020.

The trial is presided by Judge Justice Thushara Kumarage at the Anti-Corruption High Court in Suva.

Bail for the accused is extended by the court.