Former Chief Executive of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, along with the current Chief Financial Officer, Vimlesh Sagar, is slated to enter their pleas next month following charges brought by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC). The two appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court, where the prosecution requested additional time to provide details of the case.
FICAC Counsel urged Sayed-Khaiyum and Sagar to plead to the charges; however, the defense counsel pushed for a delay, stating that the pleas would be entered only after the particulars were disclosed. Sayed-Khaiyum faces two charges: one for abuse of office and another for general dishonesty, which allegedly led to a financial loss. Sagar, on the other hand, is charged with one count of general dishonesty resulting in a loss.
The charges pertain to alleged irregularities surrounding the tender and procurement of a vehicle valued at $207,470. The court has set a new date for the proceedings, with the matter adjourned until March 5 for the plea and specific allegations regarding the loss to be addressed. As the legal process unfolds, it highlights the importance of accountability in public office and the integrity of procurement processes within governmental institutions.
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