FORMER Minister for Fisheries and Forests Kalaveti Ravu has pleaded not guilty to a charge of abuse of office.
He is accused of interfering last year in the lawful process of a ministry investigation for a suspected illegal trade of a banned species of beche-de-mer.
His lawyer, Lavi Rokoika, said Mr Ravu was ready to have his plea recorded since disclosures had been furnished.
FICAC prosecutor Lavenia Ravuikadavu informed the court there were no admissions in the caution interview.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests regional manager North Tekata Toaisi, who is accused of aiding the former minister between July and August last year, has requested to have his plea recorded on the next occasion.
Lawyer Sovaia Nagonevulavula, who appeared on the instructions of fellow lawyer Joji Cakau, said a notice of change of solicitors had been filed and they were waiting for the disclosures to be served.
The men appeared before Suva Magistrate Jeremaia Savou yesterday.
They will re-appear on August 26.
