By MONIKA SINGH
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad has become the second government minister to be charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and is expected to resign from Cabinet today.
Prof. Prasad was charged with one count of failing to declare a company directorship, under provisions of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act.
He confirmed to local media that he had informed Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of his decision to resign from Cabinet.
According to media reports, the charge relates to an earlier FICAC investigation concluded in April this year, which looked into allegations that Prof. Prasad had submitted false information about his income, assets, and liabilities over multiple years as leader of the National Federation Party.
At the time, FICAC announced that no action would be taken, citing that no grievances had been raised for nearly a decade.
However, fresh charges have now been filed, and Prof. Prasad is expected to appear in court on 19 November.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica resigned last Tuesday after being charged by FICAC with perjury and giving false information to a public servant.
Kamikamica appeared in court on Friday, where he was granted bail with a $10,000 bond and required to provide two sureties and refrain from reoffending.
His case has been adjourned to 28 November for mention.
