Former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica’s fate now rests with the court after his lawyer argued there is no case for him to answer.

Defence counsel Wylie Clarke told the Suva Magistrates Court that FICAC had failed to provide sufficient evidence to support either the perjury charge or the alternative charge of providing false information to a public servant.

Clarke argued the prosecution failed to establish key elements of the offences, including falsity, intent, materiality and knowledge. He also challenged the evidence of former Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu, saying his diary entries could not prove Kamikamica knew Barbara Malimali would be appointed FICAC Commissioner before the official announcement.

The defence has also sought costs against FICAC, arguing Kamikamica suffered significant reputational and professional damage, including resigning as Deputy Prime Minister and relinquishing his ministerial portfolios.

FICAC maintained it had presented sufficient evidence to warrant Kamikamica being called to answer the charges, arguing that Ravu’s diary entries allowed the court to infer prior knowledge of Malimali’s appointment.

Magistrate Charles Ratakele will deliver his ruling on the 3rd of August.