Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that he will initiate an investigation into the professional relationship between iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu and his business partner, Jason Zhong, should the issue be formally raised with him. This statement follows a report from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) that highlighted Zhong’s troubling history, including two prior convictions for sex and drug trafficking over the past two decades. Zhong, who co-owns a farming enterprise with Vasu, has also been implicated in alleged bribery towards officials of the iTaukei Land Trust Board.
Rabuka indicated that while he has not yet received any formal reports on this matter, he intends to discuss the situation with Minister Vasu if such issues are brought to his attention. The OCCRP’s report referenced a 2020 Fiji police briefing that suggested Zhong might be connected to a local organized crime group. The report also disclosed that both Zhong and Vasu were seen together at an airport in March, boarding a business class flight to Hong Kong, which raised further questions about their relationship.
Zhong received temporary court permission to travel due to existing charges against him, but that has not deterred him from maintaining a close business partnership with Vasu. The duo has publicly acknowledged their bond, with the Ministry of Agriculture promoting their ginger farming business as a testament to their friendship and success. Currently, Vasu’s asset declaration indicates that the stakes in these farming ventures are valued at approximately 1.1 million Fijian dollars.
In a brief interaction with the OCCRP, Vasu confirmed their trip to Hong Kong, stating that it was for the commemoration of Zhong’s father’s one-year burial anniversary. However, he has not provided further comments on the ongoing inquiries.
This situation presents a significant challenge for the Fijian government, as maintaining integrity and public trust is essential, especially in leadership roles. It serves as a crucial reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public service, and hopefully, a thorough investigation will lead to clarifications and reinforce the principles of good governance.
Summary: Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed willingness to investigate the business ties between Minister Ifereimi Vasu and Jason Zhong, who has a criminal history and faces corruption charges. As concerns about their partnership grow, transparency in governance becomes increasingly vital for public trust.
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