Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expresses his unwavering confidence in the stability of his Coalition Government, despite the troubling news that two of his Deputy Prime Ministers are facing charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a recent statement made to The Fiji Times from his residence in Suva, Rabuka confirmed he was made aware that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, National Planning and Statistics, Professor Biman Prasad, had been charged for failing to meet statutory disclosure requirements and for allegedly providing false information in a statutory declaration under the Political Parties Act.
Upon receiving the summons, Deputy Prime Minister Prasad communicated his intention to resign from his position. Rabuka expressed concerns about the implications of these developments for government performance, especially as they near the end of their third year in office. However, he asserted that the charges against Prasad are rooted in events that occurred before his administration took office, stating that they should not hinder the Coalition’s ongoing work.
The Prime Minister emphasized that he will assign the Finance, National Planning and Statistics portfolio to someone with ample experience to ensure continuity. He firmly rejected claims that these legal troubles are diminishing public confidence in the Coalition, stating, “I am confident of my team. We will come through this. We will probably come through with our heads high.” Rabuka remains focused on delivering a strong record ahead of the upcoming 2026 elections, expressing optimism about the government’s future.
Meanwhile, despite the scrutiny surrounding their leadership, both former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who stepped down to defend himself against similar charges, and Prasad have pledged their continued political support as their cases progress. Prasad’s case is set to be called on November 17, and Rabuka has stated that he will follow established procedures should further actions need to be taken.
This situation is a challenging but pivotal moment for Rabuka’s administration, illustrating both the hurdles and the resilience of political leadership under pressure. The Prime Minister’s determination to maintain focus on governance amid challenges can serve as a testament to the stability and commitment of the Coalition going forward.