“I believe I must step aside,” with those words, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, Prof. Biman Prasad, has resigned from Cabinet in light of a charge laid by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
In his official statement, Prof. Prasad said he met Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on Monday morning to inform him of his decision after being served the charge the previous day.
“I intend to deal with this charge in the shortest possible time and in accordance with proper legal process. My lawyers are dealing with this expeditiously,” he said.
“Politics is service. At times, service demands sacrifice and commitment.”
Prof. Prasad expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s personal support and the many messages of encouragement he has received.
“One thing I have learned in 11 years of political leadership is that it involves many challenges, often from unexpected places. This is just one more of those challenges to be dealt with calmly, patiently, and as swiftly as possible.”
FICAC has charged Prof. Prasad with failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements under section 24(5) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act. The allegation relates to a failure to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts PTE Limited in December 2015.
The charge follows a previous FICAC investigation, which was closed in April this year after the agency found no grounds to prosecute earlier complaints about Prof. Prasad’s declarations.
Despite stepping down from Cabinet, Prof. Prasad has vowed to continue serving the nation.
“I will be in Parliament next Monday on the back bench and I will continue to represent and serve our people to the best of my ability.”
Prof. Prasad remains Leader of the National Federation Party, which he says has shown unity and solidarity during this latest challenge.
Prime Minister Rabuka has confirmed the resignation and said Assistant Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel will serve as Acting Finance Minister.
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