Riyaz Sayed Khaiyum, the former head of the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), and the current Chief Financial Officer, Vimlesh Sagar, are set to have their pleas heard on December 3. The two appeared in front of Acting Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola on Thursday regarding their cases.
Prosecutor Nimisha Shankar informed the court that Sayed Khaiyum faces serious allegations, categorized as indictable offences. As a result, no plea election has yet been arranged for him. The magistrate granted Shankar’s request for an additional 21 days to prepare.
Sayed Khaiyum has been charged with abuse of office and general dishonesty, as he is accused of bypassing the standard tender process in FBC’s financial procedures. He allegedly purchased a 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg for $207,240, resulting in a significant loss of $84,470 for the FBC. The transactions in question reportedly took place between September 1 and November 11 two years ago.
Meanwhile, Sagar is charged with general dishonesty causing a loss as he allegedly approved the payments for this vehicle.
In a separate legal matter, both individuals appeared before Magistrate Krishan Prasad, where their pleas were also postponed. In this case, Sayed Khaiyum is charged with abuse of office and an alternative charge of general dishonesty. He is accused of initiating five legal proceedings without FBC board approval, costing the company $138,813.37. These events are said to have occurred between July 1, 2017, and January 31 last year.
The legal process continues for Sayed Khaiyum and Sagar, and it is an essential reminder of the importance of accountability in public offices. As their cases unfold, it will be significant to watch how the legal system addresses these serious allegations. This situation may eventually lead to improved governance and transparency within organizations like the FBC, benefiting stakeholders and ensuring ethical practices in financial management.
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