Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka held a press conference to address concerns following recent changes in his Cabinet, emphasizing that these shifts do not signal instability within his government. His remarks follow the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad, who has been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for violating political disclosure laws.
Rabuka asserted that the Coalition partnership between The People’s Alliance and the National Federation Party (NFP) remains strong and unaffected by Prasad’s resignation. He stated, “There has been no impact on the Coalition partnership. That partnership remains intact.” The Prime Minister expressed confidence that their collaborative agenda would continue smoothly, particularly as Parliament gears up to consider significant constitutional and electoral amendments.
The charges against Prasad involve allegations of non-compliance with asset disclosure regulations under the Political Parties Act, stemming from claims of providing false information. These allegations originated from an examination of public-interest complaints dating back to 2015. Rabuka reiterated the government’s respect for due process and the independence of FICAC, dismissing any suggestions that the commission is being manipulated for political ends: “The Government has not used FICAC as its weapon.”
The recent Cabinet resignations, including that of former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica a week earlier, have led to speculation regarding potential political strategies. However, Rabuka rejected these theories and reaffirmed the integrity of his administration. He confirmed that Assistant Minister Esrom Immanuel would take over the finance portfolio left vacant by Prasad and Kamikamica.
Despite the current challenges, including ongoing legal matters surrounding Prasad, Rabuka’s government remains committed to navigating these transitions with stability and respect. This situation could potentially foster broader discussions about accountability and ethical governance in Fiji, presenting an opportunity for transparency reforms that may enhance public trust in government operations. The Prime Minister’s assurance of stability reflects a hopeful outlook for continued progress in public administration and service.