Puleiwai tenders in her resignation, Prof. Prasad’s lawyers strongly reject any basis for charges

The drama continues at FICAC as Acting Deputy Commissioner of FICAC, Francis Puleiwai has tendered in her resignation after a meeting with the Judicial Services Commission that appointed FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.

Speaking outside the courthouse, Puleiwai says she now finishes off from FICAC.

While responding to the letter written by Puleiwai and comments made that she has been told to hold off on charges, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says this matter is in the hands of his lawyers.

Professor Prasad says they have already communicated with FICAC and strongly rejected any basis for charges.

He says other than this, he does not intend to comment.

Puleiwai had said earlier that that they have been told to hold off on any charges after she wrote a letter indicating that Professor Prasad will be charged later.

Things have been heating up earlier after newly appointed FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali was taken in for questioning on her first day in office on the orders of Puleiwai.

Puleiwai confirmed that she also wrote a letter to the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Attorney General Graham Leung and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga indicating that they will be charging Professor Prasad.

Puleiwai is yet to respond to our question on who had told her to hold off on any charges.

Meanwhile Malimali was questioned and released in relation to a complaint of alleged abuse of office.

We had also asked Puleiwai on what is the nature of the allegation against Malimali.

fijivillage News has also asked her whether FICAC has analysed the complaints against Malimali and the Ministers, and determined whether they are genuine or frivolous in nature.

They are yet to comment.

The FICAC Commissioner’s vacancy was advertised earlier this year and Puleiwai confirms that she had applied for the position.

We have sent questions to the Judicial Services Commission Chairman and Acting Chief Justice Temo and Minister for Justice Turaga. They are yet to comment.