We stand by our nomination for Public Accounts Committee chair - Kepa

The Leader of the Opposition, Ro Teimumu Kepa said her nomination for Biman Prasad to chair the Public Accounts Committee will not be changed although the government side is raising concerns about his public comments.

Ro Teimumu has called on the Secretary General, Viniana Namosimalua to convene the Public Accounts Committee as soon as possible as many Auditor General’s Reports have to be scrutinised.

The meeting did not go ahead yesterday as scheduled as the government side of the Public Accounts Committee raised concerns about Biman Prasad’s comments on the Auditor General’s Reports before the committee sittings.

Ro Teimumu said their stand remains that Prasad has been appointed by the Speaker of Parliament, Doctor Jiko Luveni and the meeting should go ahead.

Biman Prasad also said that he has done nothing wrong.

Government Whip, Semi Koroilavesau who is a member of the Public Accounts Committee said they know that they do not have any say on who is appointed as Chair of the Public Accounts Committee as this is the opposition’s prerogative.

However Koroilavesau said the Public Accounts Committee is expected to conduct an analysis of the Auditor General’s reports together after talking to the public officials who may have to be called in for explanations.

In a recent interview Biman Prasad said it has now become abundantly clear there has been widespread abuse of public funds and blatant disregard of fundamental financial procedures.

Koroilavesau asked how a Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee can make this comment without carrying out a thorough review on the specific details in the reports.

He said it is clear that Prasad has already made up his mind.

Koroilavesau raised this in their meeting yesterday.

When questioned by Fijivillage on this issue, Prasad said that he sees no problems in making these comments.

Secretary General to Parliament Viniana Namosimalua said the Speaker will be advised on the issues when she returns to the country on Monday.

Following the Speaker’s ruling, the committee will meet on a date to be decided.