'Political chaos': Fiji PM Rabuka confirms Biman Prasad's resignation after anti-corruption charges

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 16:04 GMT by rnz

Who is Biman Prasad?

Prasad has been a prominent figure in Fiji’s post‑2014 government. Elected to Parliament in 2014 and re‑elected in 2018, he was appointed Minister for Housing and Infrastructure in 2019, where he oversaw a range of public works projects, including the construction of new schools and community centres. In late 2023, he was promoted to Minister for the Public Service and Public Works. His portfolio included oversight of large procurement contracts, a responsibility that has come under scrutiny in the latest scandal.

The anti‑corruption charges

The Fiji Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (CPC) alleged that Prasad, along with two senior civil servants, was involved in a scheme that embezzled approximately FJD 12 million (about US$7.4 million) from public funds allocated for infrastructure projects. According to the CPC’s complaint, the trio allegedly used forged invoices and falsified delivery records to pocket the money and subsequently laundered the proceeds through a series of offshore shell companies. The charges include conspiracy to defraud the state, illicit enrichment, and money laundering.

The CPC’s findings were released on Monday after an exhaustive investigation that began in early 2023. The agency, established under the Anti‑Corruption Act of 2015, has been at the centre of Fiji’s efforts to tackle corruption, which has long been cited as a key impediment to the country’s economic development and international investment.

Rabuka’s response

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, a former military leader who returned to civilian politics in 2014, released a statement on the government’s official social‑media accounts. He described Prasad’s resignation as “a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the public service.” Rabuka added that the government would “continue its commitment to transparency and accountability” and that a “new minister will be appointed as soon as possible to ensure the continuity of essential services.” He also pledged to cooperate fully with the CPC’s ongoing investigations.

Rabuka’s own political past has not been without controversy. His 1999 coup and subsequent years in power cast a shadow over his civilian tenure, and critics have often linked his leadership style to a “hard‑line” approach to governance. The current government’s anti‑corruption push is seen by many as an attempt to distance itself from that legacy, but the Prasad case has reignited debates about the depth of reforms.

Opposition reaction

Opposition parties have seized on the scandal to challenge the government’s credibility. Leader of the National Alliance Party, Sainisainii Peta, tweeted, “This is a sign that FijiFirst has failed to uphold the values it promised. We call for an independent inquiry and a full review of ministerial appointments.” Meanwhile, the People’s Alliance, led by former minister and current MP Keshav Singh, called for a cabinet reshuffle and urged the Prime Minister to “demonstrate accountability by ensuring that no minister is above the law.”

The opposition’s demands are part of a broader push for democratic reforms, especially in light of the fact that Fiji’s constitution allows the Prime Minister to appoint ministers with a wide latitude of discretion. Critics argue that this power can be used to shield political allies from scrutiny, a concern that the Prasad case has brought into sharper focus.

International perspective

Fiji’s key development partners—Australia, New Zealand, and the United States—have expressed concern about the country’s political stability. An Australian foreign‑aid official stated in an interview that “while the anti‑corruption initiative is commendable, the political fallout from such scandals can undermine investor confidence.” New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement emphasizing the importance of the CPC’s independence and the need for “transparent judicial processes.” The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Fiji has urged the government to “ensure that all legal proceedings are conducted impartially and that justice is delivered in a timely manner.”

The broader context of Fiji’s political turbulence

The Prasad resignation follows a series of events that have shaken Fiji’s political establishment. In December 2023, a former member of parliament was convicted for defrauding the government of FJD 3.2 million in land development funds. Earlier that year, the opposition coalition filed a petition to the Constitutional Court to challenge the validity of the 2022 election results, citing irregularities in polling procedures. In a February parliamentary session, a motion of no confidence was tabled against the Prime Minister, though it was narrowly defeated. These incidents underscore a period of “political chaos” that has been characterized by frequent cabinet reshuffles, judicial challenges, and public protests.

The FijiFirst party has maintained that its anti‑corruption strategy is a hallmark of its governance. In a 2022 press release, Prime Minister Rabuka asserted that “the CPC is the cornerstone of Fiji’s commitment to integrity.” Yet the speed and scale of the Prasad investigation have called into question the effectiveness of the existing oversight mechanisms.

Implications for policy and governance

Prasad’s resignation may have a domino effect on Fiji’s infrastructure projects. Several high‑profile construction contracts, including the refurbishment of the Lautoka–Rewa Highway, have been temporarily suspended while investigations proceed. The Ministry of Public Works has issued a temporary directive that all contractors must provide audited financial statements before new work can commence.

The CPC is expected to file formal charges against Prasad by the end of the month. Should the court find him guilty, it could set a precedent for future prosecutions of senior officials. Some analysts predict that this may deter corrupt practices among cabinet members, while others worry that it could discourage qualified politicians from taking office, fearing intense scrutiny and potential false accusations.

Looking ahead

As Fiji grapples with the fallout, the international community watches closely. The World Bank, which has been funding several infrastructure projects in Fiji, has requested an independent audit of all contracts that might have been affected by the alleged misconduct. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has suggested a review of Fiji’s public procurement framework to align with best‑practice guidelines.

Prime Minister Rabuka’s next steps will likely involve appointing a successor to Prasad’s portfolios and addressing the concerns of the opposition. Whether these moves will restore confidence in Fiji’s political system remains to be seen. For now, the resignation of Biman Prasad serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of governance in a nation still working to balance rapid development with democratic accountability.