The Public Service Commission chairman, Luke Rokovada, has confirmed that an inquiry is currently underway regarding the claims of unlawful termination made by Ratu Manoa Malani from 2011. Ratu Manoa, who served as the director of the former Ministry of Public Enterprises, Communications, Civil Aviation and Tourism, is seeking the payment of his back-dated salary amounting to $30,169.85, which he claims has not been received.
Ratu Manoa asserts that he was suspended from his position in 2010 without any valid reason and received only an hour to vacate his office. In 2011, an Employment Tribunal was held, during which the ministry attempted to withdraw the case and presented Ratu Manoa with four options regarding his situation. These options included withdrawing the case, receiving a decision from then-Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, being reinstated in another ministry, or addressing the payment of his outstanding salary.
Last week, Ratu Manoa expressed disinterest in the other options and reiterated that his primary concern is the receipt of his backdated salary. He stated, “We have two letters stamped by the ministry indicating that the letters reached them twice,” and pointed out the inconsistency as Mr. Rokovada claimed this was the first time he had seen the one of those letters.
The complexity of the issue has led Mr. Rokovada to clarify that the ministry is still working to ascertain which department is accountable for addressing Ratu Manoa’s outstanding claims. Ratu Manoa looks forward to another meeting with Mr. Rokovada to receive updates on the progress of the inquiry.
This situation sheds light on the importance of employment rights and the necessity for accountability within government dealings. It reveals the ongoing challenges faced by individuals seeking justice and fair compensation in the public sector. The inquiry may pave the way for better protections for employees in similar circumstances, fostering trust in governmental processes.
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