The Suva Magistrate’s Court has authorized Sanjay Kaba, a former board member of Telecom Fiji Ltd and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings, to travel abroad despite serious allegations of financial misconduct against him. Kaba is accused of unlawfully obtaining over $766,000 through his company, Houng Lee Kaba Jacob Ltd (HLK Jacob), between June 2022 and July 2023.
During a hearing yesterday, Kaba, who was represented by lawyer Wasu Pillay, requested a modification of his bail to enable international travel from March 22 to April 1. Magistrate Krishan Prasad granted this request, noting that there were no objections from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the body prosecuting the case. Previously, Kaba was permitted to leave the country from March 1 to 18.
The charges against him suggest that Kaba failed to disclose his role in a bidding process for a project management tender connected to Telecom Fiji’s new office and data center, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. This situation is emblematic of Fiji’s ongoing struggle to combat corruption and reinforce governance transparency and accountability.
Kaba’s case is set for another court hearing on April 3. His situation highlights the vital need for integrity in both public and corporate leadership roles. It is hoped that the proceedings may lead to a greater emphasis on accountability and transparency within the country’s governance structures.
While the outcome of Kaba’s trial is still uncertain, there is optimism that this case could contribute to meaningful reforms and bolster public confidence in institutional integrity in Fiji.
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