Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the former Chief Executive of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), and Vimlesh Sagar, the CFO, have pleaded not guilty to charges related to abuse of office. The pair appeared in the Magistrates Court in Suva, where they agreed to have their trial in the lower court.
Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office as well as one count of general dishonesty, causing a financial loss. Sagar is charged solely with one count of general dishonesty causing a loss. The court has been prepared to call 25 witnesses for the case, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for April 11 to address any issues before trial.
Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola expressed a desire for the case to be resolved within a year from the charges being filed. However, this timeline might be unrealistic due to the unavailability of legal counsel. The trial is currently set to run from September 2 to 17, 2025.
The allegations against Sayed-Khaiyum include initiating five legal proceedings without the oversight of the FBC board, which allegedly resulted in a loss of $138,813 over nearly six years. Additionally, he is accused of pursuing legal actions not in the corporation’s interests, again totaling a loss of the same amount.
Sagar is accused of approving a payment to R Patel Lawyers for $15,075, knowing it would lead to a financial loss for FBC. In a second set of allegations, Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with abuse of office and general dishonesty regarding the procurement of a vehicle for $207,470 without following proper tender processes, actions deemed harmful to FBC and which led to another financial loss of $84,470. Sagar is also implicated in this case for approving the vehicle purchase under similar circumstances.
While the situation remains serious for the former executives, it is important to remember that they are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This legal battle will unfold in the coming years, offering a chance for a thorough examination of the allegations and for all parties involved to present their case fully. Such legal proceedings can also strengthen the accountability mechanisms within organizations like FBC, potentially leading to improved governance in the future.
The upcoming trial and pre-trial proceedings could serve as a pivotal moment for establishing transparency and integrity in Fijian institutions, promoting ethical practices in managerial roles.
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