Former Fiji Broadcasting Corporation CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and current Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar are awaiting crucial statements from two board members, which their lawyer deemed “extremely relevant” to their ongoing legal proceedings. The two men appeared before Suva Magistrate Krishan Prasad, where Sayed-Khaiyum faces serious charges including abuse of office for personal gain and general dishonesty causing a financial loss. He is alleged to have initiated five legal proceedings without the board’s approval, incurring costs amounting to $138,813.37 between July 1, 2017, and January 31, 2023, which were not in the interests of the company.

In addition to this, Sayed-Khaiyum is accused of bypassing the mandatory tender process to purchase a Volkswagen Touareg for $207,240, which allegedly resulted in a loss of $84,470 for the corporation. Sagar is charged with general dishonesty for approving payments related to that vehicle purchase and for authorizing payments totaling $15,075.88 to R Patel Lawyers without the necessary board consent.

The court has granted the defense a one-month adjournment to allow time for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to furnish necessary disclosures, with a deadline set for February 24, 2024. This delay underscores the legal complexities involved, as both parties prepare for their respective cases to be determined.

As the situation evolves, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and governance in public office, highlighting the necessity for ethical management practices within organizations. The outcomes of these proceedings could potentially lead to strengthened regulatory frameworks and better standards of integrity, ultimately benefiting the corporate sector and restoring public trust in institutions like the FBC.