Former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) CEO Riyaz Sayed Khaiyum and Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar had their plea hearing deferred in the Suva Magistrates Court. The pair appeared before Magistrate Krishan Prasad, where discussions centered around the need for additional disclosures in the case.
FICAC counsel, Arieta Vaganalau, informed the court that certain documents, deemed legally privileged, could not be disclosed at this point in time. Furthermore, a witness whose statement is crucial to the proceedings is currently unavailable as they are out of the country. Vaganalau requested a period of four to five weeks to submit the necessary disclosures; however, the court did not grant this request. Instead, the court mandated that FICAC provide these disclosures within 21 days, emphasizing the constitutional right to a timely trial.
Sayed Khaiyum faces serious allegations including one count of Abuse of Office and one count of General Dishonesty Causing a Loss. These charges stem from his alleged actions between July 1, 2017, and January 31, 2023, where he is accused of initiating five legal proceedings without the FBC Board’s consent, resulting in a total loss of $138,813.37 to the corporation. Additionally, he is charged with dishonestly causing financial loss by pursuing actions not aligned with the best interests of the FBC.
Sagar, on the other hand, is charged with one count of General Dishonesty Causing a Loss due to his alleged approval of unauthorized payments to R Patel Lawyers, amounting to $15,075.88 between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, also without the necessary board approval.
The case has been adjourned until April 1, awaiting the completion of disclosures which will be crucial for the defense’s argument.
This case not only underscores the importance of accountability within corporate governance but also illustrates the concerted efforts by FICAC to uphold standards of integrity in Fiji’s public sector. The forthcoming developments in this case are anticipated to foster greater scrutiny over governance practices, ultimately contributing to more transparent operation standards in organizations like FBC.
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