Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad is set to officially resign from his position today, a development confirmed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The Prime Minister noted that Prasad informed him of his decision to step down and would not participate in today’s Cabinet meeting.
This announcement follows charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) against Professor Prasad for allegedly failing to disclose his directorship in Platinum Hotels and Resorts PTE Limited, which dates back to 2015. His resignation marks the third from the Coalition Government since its inception. Just last week, former Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica also resigned following FICAC charges, and Kalaveti Ravu had resigned under similar allegations earlier.
These resignations underscore growing concerns about integrity and accountability in Fiji’s political arena. There is a mounting public demand for enhanced transparency in governance, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms that can bolster trust in political institutions.
Professor Prasad is scheduled to appear in court on November 17, where legal proceedings will further explore the allegations against him. Such cases have sparked vital discussions on the necessity of ethical behavior among government officials, paving the way for a governance framework that could restore public confidence in leadership in Fiji. Amid these challenges, there remains hope that a renewed commitment to accountability and integrity will guide the country’s political future.