The Public Service Commission (PSC) has retracted the nomination of Pita Wise for the Head of Mission role in Japan. PSC chairperson Luke Rokovada announced the decision last night, attributing it to the discretion of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Wise had previously stepped down from his position as permanent secretary on September 25, citing personal reasons. Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed his office received a sexual harassment allegation against Wise, which was forwarded to the PSC for review.
Wise was expected to succeed Filimone Waqabaca, who is set to become the head of the Fiji Development Bank. Last Friday, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement urged the Coalition Government and Prime Minister Rabuka to revoke Wise’s nomination for the ambassador role in Japan.
Wise had served as the permanent secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister since January and had held various PS positions in prior administrations.