Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad recently appeared before Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull at the Suva High Court regarding his application for a stay in ongoing legal proceedings. This case was transferred to Justice Bull’s court after Justice Dane Tuiqereqere moved it, as another similar matter concerning former Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica is also pending before her.
Professor Prasad is contesting charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption. Specifically, he faces a charge of failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013. It is alleged that on December 30, 2015, he did not declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited in his annual assets declaration, which is a violation of Section 24(1)(b)(iv) of the Act. Additionally, he is accused of providing false information in a statutory declaration by submitting a declaration that allegedly omitted this directorship, thereby making it materially false.
During the proceedings, Justice Bull requested that written submissions be prepared by February 4 of the following year, with responses from the opposing party due by February 25. The initial proposal for a hearing date of March 14, which coincides with the appearance of Kamikamica, was adjusted to March 15 following a request from Prasad’s legal representative, Naidu.
This legal situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny of political figures in Fiji, particularly concerning compliance with disclosure laws. As both Professor Prasad and Manoa Kamikamica prepare their cases, the outcome may influence public perception of integrity within the nation’s political landscape.