Former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has been scheduled to stand trial later this month after appearing in the Suva Magistrates Court today for a pre-trial conference.

Kamikamica faces one count of perjury and one count of giving false information to a public servant, following charges laid by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.

FICAC counsel Josann Pene confirmed that the prosecution had served the proposed pre-trial conference documents on the defence.

Defence lawyer Wylie Clarke acknowledged receipt of the proposed bundle but advised the court that the defence would object to a number of the proposed agreed facts.

Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele directed the defence to file its response to the proposed facts, while instructing FICAC to finalise the pre-trial conference documentation ahead of the trial.

It is alleged that between 1 December 2024 and 31 March 2025 in Suva, Kamikamica knowingly made a false statement under oath by claiming he had nothing to do with the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner.

The prosecution further alleges that Kamikamica provided the same false information to the Commissioner of Inquiry.

The matter has been adjourned for a three-day trial, which is scheduled to commence on the 20th of this month.