Former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, along with the company’s current Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar, will face trial in lower court proceedings. Both individuals appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola in Suva, where they entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces allegations of abuse of office and general dishonesty, specifically related to the procurement of a 3.0L Volkswagen Touareg vehicle costing $207,240. He is accused of violating FBC’s finance manual by bypassing the necessary tender process, which purportedly resulted in a financial loss of $84,470 for the company. Additionally, he is charged with initiating five legal proceedings without the approval of the FBC board, leading to costs of $138,813.37 from July 1, 2017, to January 31, 2022.
Meanwhile, Sagar is charged with general dishonesty causing a loss for allegedly approving payments to R Patel Lawyers totalling $15,075.88 without board permission, a situation that reportedly occurred between January 1, 2023, and December 31 of last year.
The trial is scheduled to commence from September 2 to 12 next year, while the plea recording for a separate matter is set for December 11. The case has been adjourned to April 11 next year.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and adherence to corporate governance norms within organizations. It highlights the ongoing efforts in Fiji to uphold accountability in leadership roles, a crucial aspect for building public trust and maintaining integrity in institutions.
By addressing these serious allegations through the judicial process, the case could ultimately lead to stronger regulations and practices within corporate governance in Fiji, promoting a culture of accountability that could benefit organizations and the public alike.
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