Prasad Hits Back at FICAC, Calls Allegations "Baseless"

The Minister for Finance has fired back, declaring that his legal team has formally notified the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) that the allegations against him are "baseless".

Speaking at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad asserted that the accusations were not substantial enough to warrant charges.

His comments follow FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali's recent statement that a decision on his case would be made by the newly appointed commissioner - and nobody else.

Mr Prasad was initially due to be charged with failing to declare all assets, income, and liabilities before the last election.

Francis Pulewai, the former Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, who was overseeing the investigation, expressed disappointment at the situation, calling it “sad”.

The investigation into Mr Prasad’s conduct was reportedly concluded under Ms Pulewai’s leadership, and he was due to be charged.

However, following Ms Pulewai’s resignation and Ms Malimali’s appointment as FICAC Chief, the case is currently on hold.

Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who also faces a FICAC complaint, described the accusation on Wednesday as “an act of malice”.

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube have criticised Ms Malimali’s appointment, urging FICAC to proceed with charges against Mr Prasad.

In response, Mr Prasad said: “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 marks Mr Prasad’s first direct response to criticism regarding his FICAC case.

He declined further comment.

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