Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, who is accused of failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements and of providing false information in a statutory declaration will take his plea on December 8.
Mr Prasad made his first appearance before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad at the Suva Magistrate’s Court this morning.
He faces a count of failure to comply with statutory disclosure requirements and a count of providing false information in a statutory declaration.
The incident allegedly occurred in 2015.
He faces a count of failure to comply with statutory disclosure requirements.
On or about December 30, 2015 in Suva, Mr Prasad, as an office holder of the registered National Federation Party under the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013, allegedly failed to comply with Section 24(1)(b)(iv) by omitting to declare his directorship in Platinum Hotels & Resorts Pte Limited in his annual declaration of assets, liabilities, and income submitted to the Registrar of Political Parties.
He is also charged with providing false information in a statutory declaration, having allegedly recklessly submitted a declaration omitting his directorship, which rendered it materially false.
He is presented by Senior Lawyer Richard Naidu from Munro Leys.
Appearing for FICAC was Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika.
Magistrate Prasad set the bail bond at $10,000 non-cash with standard bail conditions.
Case adjourned.
