Photo: Fijian Government

Fiji's Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Mahendra Reddy has resigned.

Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said in a statement that he received the letter from Dr Reddy yesterday.

In letter to the Prime Minister, Dr Reddy said that in order to preserve the reputation of the Government, he wished to step aside by resigning while the charges laid by FICAC against him are heard.

Dr Reddy said this was a private matter and he needs to clear his name without causing a distraction from the work the FijiFirst Government was doing for the Fijian people.

Mr Bainimarama said in accordance with the Constitution, he had accepted the resignation by Dr Reddy as the Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts.

The Prime Minister said he would announce the appointment of an acting Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts in due course.

He said until the charges laid by FICAC are determined by the court, Dr Reddy shall remain as a Member of Parliament.