Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he remains confident in the stability of his Coalition Government despite two of his Deputy Prime Ministers now facing charges before the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Speaking to The Fiji Times at his home in Suva yesterday, the PM said he was notified by Acting Commissioner FICAC Lavi Rokoika at about 5.17pm that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, National Planning and Statistics Professor Biman Prasad had been charged.
He is accused of failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements and of providing false information in a statutory declaration under the Political Parties Act.
After receiving the summons, Deputy Prime Minister Prof Prasad informed the Prime Minister and advised him of his intention to resign.
Mr Rabuka acknowledged the political pressure that comes with the situation.
“I am concerned, he said.
“It can have a spanner in the works effect on government performance as it is almost the end of our third year in office. It is very sad.
“The charges allegedly come from an incident before we came into government. It should not derail the work that is already underway,” he said, referring to allegations against Prof Prasad before the Coalition assumed office.
Mr Rabuka said the Finance, National Planning and Statistics portfolio will be assigned to someone experienced.
He rejected suggestions that the events were eroding public confidence in the Coalition’s unity.
“I am confident of my team. We will come through this. We will probably come through with our heads high.”
When asked about the perception that the Coalition was “turning inwards” as two of its own leaders come under scrutiny, the Prime Minister said the optics showed something different.
Mr Rabuka said the Government was focused on completing its work program and entering the 2026 elections with a strong record of delivery.
Despite the development, he confirmed he has been assured of continued political support from former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and Prof Prasad as their cases proceed.
“Both the former Deputy Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister have assured me of their continued support.”
Mr Kamikamica stepped down less than a week ago to defend himself against charges that were also brought by FICAC.
Deputy Prime Minister Prof Prasad’s case will be called on November 17.
