FORMER opposition leader Mick Beddoes, the third character witness in the trial told the High Court in Suva yesterday that Laisenia Qarase was a man of integrity and honesty.
And though he frequently opposed policies brought up by Qarase's government, he said he had never heard or was told anything that would say that he was not a man of honesty and integrity.
"My role as the opposition leader was to keep government accountable for its work and I opposed Qarase on many of his policies. I also agreed where the policy was at the best interest of the people," Mr Beddoes said.
He said that Qarase served all communities and did not favour one community.
Mr Beddoes said there was no question about how hard Qarase worked for the people of Fiji, his actions were in the best interest and did not favour anyone.
He said he was not aware of or seen anything that Qarase did for self enrichment.
He told the court that Qarase was a peaceful man and Fiji needed him going forward.
"It is my view that Qarase remains not only the leader of the largest political party but I still consider him the prime minister of Fiji," he said.
Meanwhile, an affidavit was also presented by the Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa as she could not come to court because she had gone to Australia.