The high profile case of former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase is now just less than two weeks away as the High Court has ruled that the trial will go ahead on the 3rd of next month.
This is Qarase's first case in relation to Fijian Holdings Limited where it is alleged that he facilitated and allowed the purchase of Class A FHL shares for certain companies when he was Director of FHL, Financial Advisor of the Fijian Affairs Board and Advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs.
The case relates to the allotment and issuance of the FHL shares to Cicia Plantation Co-op Society Limited, Mavana Investments Limited and a family owned company named Q-Ten Investments Limited.
High Court judge, Justice Priyantha Fernando today said eight months was given to Qarase to look for a lawyer however time was not used wisely by him and the court cannot wait indefinitely. He says the trial date for the 3rd of July will remain.
The court has allocated four weeks for the trial.
Qarase's lawyer, Qoriniasi Bale told the court he will try his best to look for someone locally as he had earlier applied for the vacation of the trial date to get a suitable lawyer.
Bale highlighted earlier this week that Qarase is having great difficulty in securing a Queens Counsel because the ones that he has interviewed from Australia are too expensive. He is now searching for a QC from New Zealand.
Bale revealed today that an Australian QC has contacted him after hearing the media reports on the case.
Qarase faces six counts of abuse of office and three counts of discharge of duty with respect to property in which he has a private interest.
Story by: Vijay Narayan and Tokasa Rainima
