Questions were raised in the Suva High Court today whether the Ministry of Finance should have acted and ceased the Affirmative Active Programme since it was not approved by Cabinet.

Suva Lawyer, Mehboob Raza who is representing former Principle Accounts Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture in 2001, Suliasi Sorovakatini asked the Acting Director Audit, Umesh Chand Prasad, whether the Ministry of Finance was in a position to put a stop on the irregularities and the unauthorized expenses.

Prasad replied yes to both the questions and also admitted that if the budget division of the Ministry of Finance had acted promptly then the expenditure would have been controlled.

Raza also highlighted that no disciplinary action was taken against Sorovakatini by the Public Service Commission.

It was also revealed in court that none of the caretaker cabinet ministers including the then Interim Agriculture Minister, Apisai Tora was questioned by the team carrying out the special audit.

Suncourt Hardware Director Dhansukh Lal Bhika and Sorovakatini are each charged with five counts of official corruption.

It is alleged that Suliasi Sorovakatini on or about 21st May 2001 allegedly corruptly received a benefit namely air travel from Suva to Nadi and return valued at $190, while Bhikha and others allegedly corruptly gave benefit to a person employed in the civil service.

It is further alleged that on or about 21st May 2001, Sorovakatini allegedly corruptly received a benefit namely air travel from Nadi to Melbourne and return valued at $1,638 and allegedly corruptly receiving benefits derived from travelers cheques worth $10,000.
 
It is also alleged that between 1st May 2001 and 31st August 2001 Sorovakatini allegedly corruptly received building supplies and also allegedly corruptly received a benefit namely payments made on his behalf to building workers who were working on his home.

Bhika is charged for allegedly corruptly giving benefits to Sorovakatini.


Story by: Shalvin Deo