Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Prof. Biman Prasad, told local media he will resign tomorrow after being charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Prof. Prasad has been charged with failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements under section 24(5) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act.
He confirmed the development to fijivillage News, saying he had already advised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of his intention to step down from Cabinet.
PM Rabuka has acknowledged receiving Prof. Prasad’s resignation notice and confirmed Assistant Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel will serve as Acting Finance Minister.
It is alleged that in December 2015, he did not declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts PTE Limited. It is further reported that this case follows an earlier FICAC investigation, which was closed in April this year, into allegations that Prof. Prasad had submitted false information regarding his income, assets, and liabilities declarations over multiple years as National Federation Party Leader.
At the time, FICAC said no action would be taken, stating no grievances had been raised for nearly a decade. However, fresh charges have now been laid, with Prof. Prasad expected to formally resign and appear in the Suva Magistrates Court on 19 November.
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