“A change in Cabinet does not necessarily mean instability in government,” Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said in a press conference yesterday as he insisted the Coalition remains strong despite the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.
He said the relationship between The People’s Alliance and the NFP remained unshaken and that both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Coalition’s shared agenda.
“There has been no impact on the Coalition partnership between the National Federation Party and the two other partners,” Mr Rabuka told the media.
“That partnership remains intact, particularly as we approach the time for Parliament to consider constitutional amendments, electoral reform amendments, and other important matters.
“We have no cause for concern or alarm as far as parliamentary voting is concerned.”
The PM said government processes would continue without disruption.
FICAC has charged Prof Prasad with breaching political disclosure laws and giving false information, offences identified through a review of 2015 public-interest complaints.
Rabuka rejects claims
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has rejected claims the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption has been used as a political weapon against members of the Coalition Government.
The resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad just a week after former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica appeared in court sparked speculation on social media that FICAC was being used to target political rivals.
But Mr Rabuka said his government has not interfered in its work.
“The Government has not used FICAC as its weapon, nor have I personally tried to use FICAC,” he said.
“In fact, I have not had any dealings with FICAC.”
He said the institution continued to operate independently.
“It remains independent, as set out in the Act, and I respect that until the Act is amended.”
The PM said the Coalition came into office with a commitment to review how the anti-corruption body works.
“We came into government with a mandate to review FICAC, and if necessary, return its functions to the policing department responsible for criminal matters.
“These concerns were based on allegations that the institution had been weaponised in the past.”
Mr Rabuka said accountability processes must continue without fear or favour, even when it affected senior leaders.
“Everybody is equal under the law.” Prof Prasad is accused of failing to comply with statutory disclosure
rules and giving false information under the Political Parties Act, following a FICAC review of 2015 complaints.
Biman exit not political move – PM
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed suggestions that the resignation of National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad is part of a strategy by The People’s Alliance to consolidate greater political control.
Speaking to the media in a press conference yesterday, Mr Rabuka confirmed that Prof Prasad tendered his resignation after charges were filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
FICAC has filed charges against Professor Biman Prasad following a review of public-interest complaints dating back to 2015.
Prof Prasad remains a Member of Parliament and leader of the NFP.
“I thank the honourable Prasad and his family for their cooperation, and for the support they have shown him during the time we have served together in Cabinet since 24 December 2022,” he said.
Mr Rabuka said there was no political manoeuvring at play following the departure of two Deputy Prime Ministers within weeks.
“I am the head of The People’s Alliance, and I know my party is not involved in that sort of scheming. So, the question does not arise,” he said when asked if his party was consolidating power.
He confirmed the appointment of Assistant Minister Esrom Immanuel to take over key portfolios.
“I have also appointed honourable Esrom Immanuel… to take over some of the finance and commerce portfolios left vacant by the two ministers who have resigned.”
The PM said the legal process surrounding Prof Prasad would be respected without interference.
