Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed his willingness to initiate an investigation into the professional relationship between iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu and his business associate Jason Zhong if the issue is formally brought to his attention. Although Mr. Rabuka has not yet received any official reports regarding the matter, he indicated that he would first discuss the issue with Mr. Vasu before taking any further action.
The situation came to light following a report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which cited a police document from 2020 that outlined Mr. Zhong’s criminal history, including convictions for sex and drug trafficking over the past two decades. Currently, while he is not imprisoned, Zhong is facing additional charges by Fiji’s anti-corruption commission for allegedly attempting to bribe officials associated with the iTaukei Land Trust Board, which is responsible for leasing land owned by traditional clans in Fiji.
When approached for comment, Minister Vasu stated that he would not provide any further information on the matter.
This situation opens the door for accountability and transparency in government affairs, showcasing the Prime Minister’s readiness to address potential corruption and conflicts of interest. If an investigation occurs, it could lead to significant reforms in governance and possibly restore public trust in leadership.
Summary: PM Sitiveni Rabuka is open to investigating the ties between iTaukei Affairs Minister Ifereimi Vasu and his associate Jason Zhong, following revelations of Zhong’s criminal history and current legal troubles involving allegations of bribery. Although Vasu opted not to comment, this development highlights the potential for increased oversight in government relationships and renewed commitment to anti-corruption efforts.
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