Prof.Prasad and Lal clash on previous government allegedly influencing FNU Council

There was a war of words between Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad and FijiFirst MP Ketan Lal on the alleged involvement of the previous government in the decisions made by the Fiji National University Council.

While contributing to the motion on the review of the Fiji National University 2020 Annual Report, Professor Prasad claimed that the previous government was influencing and made decisions for the FNU Council.

He says the previous government did not ever acknowledge the input of the former Director of Fiji Institute of Technology, Dr Ganesh Chand, in setting up the Fiji National University.

Professor Prasad says the involvement of the previous government did not create a pleasant environment for researchers, students and the administration of FNU to run the university smoothly.

FijiFirst MP Ketan Lal raised a point of order, saying that the former government has never stopped staff, students or professionals from practising any of their freedom that is protected under the Constitution.

Lal says if Professor Prasad has any evidence, he should provide it in parliament.

The Deputy Prime Minister responded by saying that Lal is acting like a small-minded agitated man abusing his parliamentary privilege.