FICAC Counsel has withdrawn an earlier position on the directorship details of Platinum Hotel and Resort Limited, now maintaining that the document is a public record rather than a business record.

The change in position was raised during proceedings in the Magistrates Court in the case against former Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad, with the admissibility of the document still being disputed by the Defence.

Magistrate Yogesh Prasad questioned FICAC Counsel Joseph Work on the legal basis for the change, particularly in light of the Evidence Act, which provides for business records.

However, Work maintained that FICAC would stand by its position that the directorship details qualify as a public record and should therefore be admitted as evidence.

Defence Counsel Richard Naidu argued that the document requires evidence from the person who authorised or prepared it. He submitted that the relevant person is not before the court and has not been called to testify, making it difficult for the Defence to challenge the document.

Professor Prasad faces one count of failing to comply with statutory disclosure requirements and is also charged with providing false information in a statutory declaration, contrary to Section 27(1)(c) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013.

The matter has been adjourned to tomorrow, when the court will continue hearing submissions on the disputed evidence.

By: Litia Rabua