Former Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar have pleaded not guilty to serious charges including abuse of office and general dishonesty. Their court appearance occurred in the Suva Magistrates Court, with the case scheduled to advance in the lower court.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces a charge of Abuse of Office for allegedly initiating five legal actions on behalf of FBC without obtaining board approval between July 1, 2017, and January 31, 2023, which purportedly resulted in a loss of $138,813. He also faces an alternative charge of General Dishonesty causing financial harm. Additionally, he is accused of procuring a vehicle for $207,470 bypassing the required tender process, which is reported to have further harmed FBC’s interests.
Meanwhile, Sagar is charged with approving payments amounting to $15,075 related to the aforementioned legal proceedings without board approval, which likewise contributed to financial losses for the organization. Both defendants are being represented by legal counsel, and a pre-trial conference is set for April 11, 2025. The trial is tentatively scheduled for September 2 to September 17, 2025.
The Chief Magistrate, Josaia Waqaivolavola, has indicated a desire to settle the case within a year; however, scheduling conflicts may delay this timeline. As this case unfolds, it raises important discussions regarding transparency and ethical conduct within public institutions, along with the accountability of public officials.
This situation could serve as a crucial opportunity for FBC to reflect upon and strengthen its governance practices, fostering public trust through adherence to integrity and transparency in financial dealings. The commitments made by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to ensure proper oversight illustrate a solid step towards promoting ethical standards in Fijian governance.
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