Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister steps down over perjury, false information charges

Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has resigned from Cabinet after being charged with perjury and providing false information to a public servant, the country’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed on Monday.

The charges, filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), come at a sensitive time for the coalition government.

Kamikamica, who also served as Minister for Trade and Communications, is one of the most senior figures to face legal proceedings in recent years.

In a statement, Prime Minister Rabuka says he received formal communication from Kamikamica announcing his decision to step down.

His resignation takes effect Tuesday, 22 October, upon his return from official duties overseas.

“Honourable Kamikamica will remain a Member of Parliament and will focus on clearing his name in relation to the charges laid against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption,” Rabuka says.

Manoa Kamikamica, left, and Sitiveni Rabuka, who has confirmed the former Deputy Prime Minister has resigned. Photo/Facebook/Manoa Kamikamica

Charges and legal proceedings

Kamikamica has been charged with perjury and giving false information in his capacity as a public servant.

An alternative charge of providing false information to a public servant has also been filed.

The case is scheduled to be called at the Suva Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. He will not attend the initial court hearing and will instead be represented by his lawyer, Wylie Clarke, president of the Fiji Law Society, who confirmed that Kamikamica’s travel had been approved before he was made aware of the charges.

Clarke says the charges laid by FICAC are defective. “The matter is before the court now, and we will respond through the legal process,” Clarke told The Fiji Times. He declined to elaborate further.

Watch Manoa Kamikamica at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, last month.

Political impact and reactions

The resignation has sent ripples through Fiji’s political landscape. Analysts say it raises questions about accountability within the government and could test the stability of the three-party coalition.

Dr Tupou Rawalai, a political science lecturer at the University of the South Pacific, told local media that Kamikamica’s decision to step down was likely an attempt to avoid becoming a distraction for the government.

“Given the seriousness of the charges and his senior role, stepping down was the only responsible choice,” Rawalai said. “But this will still put pressure on the coalition to show it is committed to transparency and the rule of law.”

Civil society groups echoed similar concerns. Sashi Kumar, spokesperson for the Citizens for Integrity Network, says in a statement that the case underscored the need for stronger mechanisms to vet and monitor public officials.

“We respect the principle of innocent until proven guilty,” Kumar says. “But the public also deserves to know that leaders are being held to the highest standard.”

Manoa Kamikamica meets with members of the Wellington Fijian community during his visit to New Zealand last month. Photo/Photo: Fiji Ministry of Trade

Rabuka takes over portfolios

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed he will assume responsibility for Kamikamica’s ministerial portfolios “for the foreseeable future,” including Trade and Communications.

Rabuka also praised Kamikamica’s service, saying he remains committed to the coalition government.

“He has assured me of his unwavering commitment to the Government and the people of Fiji,” the Prime Minister’s statement read.

Kamikamica was in New Zealand last month, representing Fiji at the Fiji–New Zealand Business Forum, promoting investment in agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), tourism, and other sectors.

He was overseas on official travel when the charges were filed.

FICAC has yet to release a public statement on the specifics of the case.