For the second time in 24 hours, a Coalition government minister who was under FICAC investigation and had that investigation quashed by Barbara Malimali has welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision not to publish the Ashton-Lewis Commission of Inquiry Report into the “rotten circumstances” of her appointment.
First it was Manoa Kamikamica and now it his fellow Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad. And guess what, Fiji? Both of them have reportedly received adverse findings in that Report. And in the case of the NFP leader, Justice David Ashton-Lewis is said to have recommended that the charge against Biman Prasad that was thwarted on the very day Barbara Malimali was parachuted into FICAC be reinstated.
Yes, if the Judge’s reported recommendation is followed, the NFP leader would be formally charged with giving a false declaration to the Elections Office and stand trial in a FICAC court. If proper practice were observed, he would be suspended as Deputy Prime Minister and it would effectively be the end of his political career. Because while many people believe Biman Prasad is already a political dead man walking for being Sitiveni Rabuka’s enabler as he blatantly disadvantages the minorities, being charged with a criminal offence would undoubtedly seal his fate altogether.
That’s how high the stakes are for Biman Prasad. But, of course, you won’t read any of this in the Fijian media. Because aside from his constant threats to sue his political opponents who have the temerity to call his integrity into question, that also extends to the domestic mainstream media. So that a front page story like the following in today’s Fiji Sun leaves out the real reason that Biman Prasad is “backing” Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to suppress the COI report. Because if it were released, he would be a political dead duck. Toast.
So in the absence of the Ashton-Lewis Report, Fiji, we are only getting part of the story. The main part isn’t Biman Prasad defending the Prime Minister’s decision to withhold the Report but that in doing so, Sitiveni Rabuka is saving Biman’s political arse.
Without the Judge’s findings, the NFP leader is safe. For the moment. Because in the court of public opinion, Biman Prasad is already in very deep trouble because of the perception that he is Rambo’s bitch. And the stench of wrongdoing from a rumoured adverse COI finding is already starting to envelop him.
Why are there suddenly fingers being pointed at social media and non-resident journalists overseas, including Manoa Kamikamica’s extraordinary attack on Grubsheet yesterday alleging that I am an alcoholic? Because whatever the mainstream Fijian media reports, what they can’t report, or won’t report, is readily available to any Fijian with a mobile phone and Internet connection. And it is starting to hurt.
Many Fijians now realise they are simply not getting the full story in the domestic mainstream media – as with today’s Fiji Sun front page – and are actively going looking for that story. The full picture, not the half-truths and out-and-out concealment of local media outlets, some of whom are now on the government payroll.
In the case of Biman Prasad, I urge my own readers to go over to Fijileaks for the full story from Victor Lal on why the NFP leader is fighting like a scalded cat not only for his political life but to avoid a potential jail sentence.
It’s all there on Victor’s page at www.fijileaks.com. Here’s just a taste of the latest.
The evidence against Biman Prasad that Victor Lal has assembled hasn’t just gone to FICAC, it has also gone to the Fiji Police. So here’s the grim outlook for Biman that explains a great deal about his public posturing.
- Reports that Justice Ashton-Lewis has found that the original charge against the NFP leader that Francis Puleiwai was about to lay against him on the very day she was removed at FICAC be reinstated. In other words, that Biman Prasad has a case to answer and it must be determined in a court of law.
- The prospect that the current police investigation also uncovers evidence of wrongdoing and perhaps a cover-up that would lead to police submitting a separate case to the ODPP for consideration.
Unfortunately, both prosecution arms of the state have been so compromised under the Coalition that there are serious doubts that either would bring any case to trial. But that doesn’t mean that Biman Prasad is beyond reach, especially in the event of a change of government next year.
So for the moment, Biman can keep running but none of this is going away. There will eventually be an accounting – a day of reckoning. Hopefully , it will be the eventual release of the Ashton-Lewis Report and if not, judgment in the court of public opinion come election day.
Holy shit.
All Biman voters. The true face of Biman is out now. The guy who demands transparency and accountability of everything and everyone except….yes of HIMSELF AND HIS BUDDIES.
Let’s keep reminding each other why we must bury Biman and the NFP in a political grave a thousand feet deep come the next elections.
Agreed, what’s so holy about this sh*t? He has proven to be Judas Iscariot doing more damage to the people of fiji and especially the minorities than all leaders from before combined. And this is for selling our people for entrenching his position and interests for ’30 pieces of silver’.
You will not get an opportunity to repent for what wrath you are causing through your deeds being committed against people. Your partner in crime may try his best to protect you but Shri Ram Lalla (who fought evil and stands for truth & justice) will never forgive you nor will our people. The sooner you wake up the better, otherwise get ready to be dumped for good!
Janet Manson correctly states that those individuals in the COI report who may end up facing charges have a right to a fair trial. Releasing the report into the public domain now to satisfy the people who want to know what’s in the report could compromise fair trials in the Fijian prosecution and judicial system ie police, ficac, office of DPP and Fijian courts. However if the PM had to commission an independent inquiry comprising Ashton- Lewis and Manson from outside of Fiji’s crocodile pond in which Salesi Temo and Malimali rule to get to the truth then it’s not likely that the public will get any Fair Trial in any future or ongoing cases against Manoa, Biman, Temo or anyone else implicated. Not while the current govt and it’s cronies in the judiciary are on guard protecting and enabling themselves and their proxies.
There is slim hope of any prosecution let alone fair trials. The so called truth is buried. The taxpayer has to foot the bill for the bestseller COI report that we cannot buy at a bookstore near you – unless Alex Forwood ignores the chatters to not do so and does her own book release. The public must grant Alex “immunity” and protecting her from any threats as she carries on her crusade against the oligarchy.
This whole saga about this “Report” has become a farce, so far. Had it not been for an outsider like “Grubsheet” reminding us about its importance whilst those responsible for disseminating its findings are hell bent on suppressing it. Meanwhile, the police, politicians, the military, the media and the power brokers all remain silent. The endemic corruption of Fijian politics continues unabated.
I salute and take my hat off and congratulate GD and Grubsheet for having the guts to keep us informed about the shenanigans generated by this CoI Report .
Tell Biman and Mr Sweet F All that the report is leaked. It’s out. Time to run it better still
follow his own advice and that is to stop voting for a coup leader.
Run, the whole lot of you.
This betrayer or Dougla should stand trial. He is certainly Rabuka’s bitch or Rabuka’s concubine, as Mahen Chaudhry put it. The fiscal review committee had recommended 12-15% vat. Baiman went for the highest vat charge, 15% instead of 12%. That after cursing Fiji First government and Khaiyum at countless election campaigns for the cost of living and promising to bring it down. Another big lie was to take a pay cut but did the opposite in power. He’s a liar and self serving bastard of the highest order.
This Government only preaches media freedom when “journalists” like the preening Vijay Narayan and out-of-touch Stanley Simpson give them an easy time. The moment anyone dares to question or criticize them, they resort to vicious personal attacks and legal threats. Who can forget the empty threat Biman’s disciple, Richard Naidu, made against Grubsheet to shut down legitimate commentary on his conduct as a Government advisor (public figure).
Naidu, who has spent his entire life promoting the corporate interests of Fiji’s mega rich but claims to have all the answers to our problems, provided some unwanted commentary the other day on an Indian Supreme Court decision regarding freedom of speech. This guy was once the nation’s most popular pontificator on freedom of expression and good governance. In a sign of how much credibility he has lost since then, “I have the means” is today resigned to commenting on matters irrelevant to Fiji and playing grammar police. He is “advising” a government in perpetual dysfunction and his benefactor, the Betrayer, is the most reviled Indo-Fijian politician in history.
Richard, we know how much you love the sound of your own voice but the Indians do not give a damn about your opinion on how they manage national security matters. The people of Fiji have similarly lost all patience with you and you are now seen as an elitist hypocrite who is responsible for the dire socio-economic conditions we find ourselves in. So, do us a favour, keep your opinions for the undiscerning minions that surround you. The rest of us have had enough of your swaggering.
And that madman Rabuka is crowing on Facebook that his son has now been granted NZ citizenship and how proud he is. That his son left the shores of Fiji as it was so difficult after 1987 to be known as a coup maker’s son and he wanted a quieter life. And how difficult a journey it has been for the whole family. And how warmly he has been accepted by Kiwis there. Well I say good for the Kiwis. Let them accept this family.
This man who hates anyone except the itaukei has the nerve/gall to utter nonsense like this on social media.
The continued delay by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in implementing the recommendations related to Barbara Malimali is deeply concerning. He must urgently act on the decisions concerning her appointment and any related matters.
The public’s patience is wearing thin and confidence in his leadership—especially regarding the Commission of Inquiry (COI) findings—is rapidly eroding.
Alarming reports suggest that individuals implicated in the COI are actively working to obstruct the implementation of its recommendations.
Notably, Biman Prasad’s swift support for the Prime Minister withholding the report raises serious questions. His eagerness to suppress its release strongly suggests he has something to hide.
Reportedly, there is also a recommendation to suspend the Chief Justice. If true, this must be implemented without delay, and a full investigation launched. Other recommendations can follow in due course, but these key actions must be prioritized.
This moment presents Prime Minister Rabuka with a critical opportunity to reclaim what little credibility remains of his leadership. Taking decisive action will not threaten his government—he retains the support of the G11 that gives him a clear parliamentary majority. He should not be beholden to the political calculations of his coalition partners, NFP and SODELPA.
Time has come for Rabuka to hire a KC and pay $2m to advise that he doesn’t need to release the report. C’mon you snake. At least publish what the Report recommends and what you’re going to do about it?
Biman covering for VCP at USP will be another nail in the coffin.
Read this
From Paradise to Fixico
https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/562232/fiji-police-and-customs-officers-among-those-charged-in-meth-smuggling-attempt
This country is missing the critical tools afforded to governments of other countries that can be used against the wrongdoings of their elected representatives.
Others use impeachment or snap elections when government ministers abuse the power given to them by the people as a method to expose the bad deeds and uncovered corruption and at least try to use legal methods at their disposal to seek redress.
These guys are out of control and the ship is heading for a reef whilst the idle PM plays the three monkeys trick. Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil. The man has fallen asleep at the wheel and the country is getting close to crashing.
Temo is just taking the mickey with his behaviour and they are standing by whilst he does it and no one is doing a damn thing about it, which is the really sad part.
The US is at a crossroads with its political mess created by a lunatic President and he is getting away with steadily dismantling the country’s democracy. Is this the future for Fiji? We have to hope not, but it’s really not looking good at the moment.
And who “elected” these people – in Fiji and in the USA. So who is to blame?
I do not believe it is the two crackpots running the countries who are to blame.
Please spare me the diatribe of being misled.
Both of them have decades long histories of idiot behavior.
So why is everyone in Fiji and the USA complaining now.
I ask again, who is to blame?
So $2m was spent to commission a report that will never be released. Oh what a waste! But wait…history has shown that such a report world over always finds its way to somehow reach the public domain at its own time and more faster especially at this digital age. The best strategy for Govt would have been to at least release the report and the Govt and those implicated could have maintained and defended their position. This would have been very transparent and Govt would have maintained credibility. By not releasing the report at all and also not articulating what actual recommendations will be implemented raises more questions than answers – and those implicated will surely have sleeping disorders until it has been brought to a closure.
This government and its NFP partners as so tarnished, they burn everything they touch.
Last week Minister Kiran was touring Samoa and met with the Samoan PM. Today PM Fiame’s government has fallen.
Meh, NFP jinxing other Pacific leaders?
There is something common with the responses from the Senior Ministers in this government. You are almost certain to get the following if you criticise or scrutinise any of their actions:
1. You never asked the same/ Where were you during Frank and ASK rule
2. This is the work of fakers who are spreading misinformation
3. Chaudry and FLP should look at themselves and how many seats have they won in the past couple of elections.
Apart from the above, I rarely get to see a response with an iota of logic or reasoning.
Honeymoon period is over. Stop gawking over the fact that you displaced the ruling party in the last election, and stop mentioning that in every bloody conversation.
Speak on the issue at hand, and address the damn issue.
The Commission of Inquiry (COI) is not a court of law and does not have judicial powers tO make binding S o decisions.
lts role is to investigate and make recommendations based on the evidence it gathers, not to issue legal judgments or enforce actions.
That means findings, while serious and potentially influential, do not carry the same weight as a court ruling.
The COl’s recommendations are not final determinations of guilt or misconduct.
Who said that they were? They have recommended that Biman Prasad and others have cases to answer that must be determined in the courts of law. They have also reportedly recommended that the Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, be suspended and tried for misbehaviour by a tribunal of three judges and that Barbara Malimali is unfit to be FICAC Commissioner and should never have been appointed in the first place.
What they have done is recommend that due process be followed when it patently hasn’t been. And the fact that it has taken the COI to intervene in this manner is evidence enough that due process has not been followed in the criminal justice system in Fiji and that the system has broken down.
Badia (ball-less) Biman’s hypocrisy over the COI report was evident in his media interview
He defended Rabuka, saying his hands were tied and claimed the report is not mandated to be released under the Commission of Inquiry Act.
He actually turned on the media, accusing journalists of double standards by not questioning the former FijiFirst government about the 2021 inquiry into the Auditor-General.
He even claimed keeping the current report “confidential would be in the national interest.”
The lengths is chamar will go to to save his own arse. The lies he will tell.
COI Report | Biman: It is up to the President
The Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali was initiated by the President and any questions about its release should be directed to his office.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance & National Planning Professor Biman Prasad made the comments to the media in Suva yesterday.
Prof Prasad made it clear the ball is in President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s court.
“The Commission of Inquiry was called for and appointed by the President,” Prof Prasad said.
“It’s up to the office of His Excellency, the President, to answer any of those questions,” he said when asked to respond to Fiji Labour Party (FLP) Leader Mahendra Chaudhry’s claim that the inquiry cost taxpayers over $2million.
“People like those who are putting out figures from here and there, I don’t know where he gets it.”
Prof Prasad also defended Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, saying his hands were tied on whether the report should be made public.
“The report was submitted to the President and is not mandated to be released under the Commission of Inquiry Act.
“He is an experienced Prime Minister. He knows in his own wisdom what is right for the country.”
He also turned the spotlight on the media, accusing journalists of double standards by not questioning the former FijiFirst government about the 2021 inquiry into the Auditor-General.
“None of you in the media ever asked Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Voreqe Bainimarama what happened to that report. It was never made public.”
Prof Prasad said if the Prime Minister had advised the President to keep the current report confidential, it would have been done in the national interest.
“So, if the Prime Minister has advised the President that the report must not be released, then the Prime Minister must have a very good reason,” Prof Prasad said.