Prosecution has been granted a 14-day period to prepare for a pretrial conference in the ongoing legal case against former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar. This decision followed a request from Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Prosecutor Arieta Vaganalau for time to finalize the agreed facts for the upcoming pretrial.
Sayed-Khaiyum is facing a serious charge of abuse of office, reportedly for initiating five legal proceedings on behalf of FBCL without the consent of the Board of Directors from July 1, 2017, to January 31, 2023, which allegedly caused a financial loss of $138,813.37. Additionally, he faces an alternative charge of general dishonesty linked to actions not serving the interests of FBCL.
Sagar is similarly charged with general dishonesty for his role in authorizing payments to R Patel Lawyers without board approval, amounting to $15,075.88 during the same time frame.
Bail has been extended for both individuals as their case has been adjourned, with the next hearing scheduled for June 3rd.
This case not only raises significant concerns regarding corporate governance within FBC but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability in public institutions. The involvement of FICAC indicates a robust commitment to upholding integrity within Fiji’s public sector. As the proceedings progress, stakeholders are hopeful that the outcomes will promote improved transparency and ethical practices, which are essential for restoring public trust in governance. The upcoming developments offer potential for reinforcing standards that prevent such allegations in the future, fostering a culture of accountability in public service.
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