FICAC has made it clear that if it comes to light that there were people who used their positions at the Land Transport Authority to get PSV permits or licences for themselves or their families, then LTA would have to refer these issues to FICAC.
When questioned on what action FICAC is taking after serious concerns raised by the Attorney General and Minister for Anti-Corruption, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, FICAC says they will await the outcome of the investigation by LTA.
The commission says the matter is between the Anti-Corruption Minister and the LTA board for now
FICAC says the LTA board had forwarded complaints regarding corruption and abuse of office to FICAC last year. These cases were investigated and people have been charged and produced in court.
LTA’s Chairman Vijay Maharaj has confirmed that he has asked the management of LTA to carry out an investigation to see whether former LTA Board members or their family members are holding PSV permits and licences.
Maharaj says he has also asked for an investigation to ascertain whether any current employee of LTA or their family members are holding PSV permits and licences.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum wrote to Vijay Maharaj and Transport Minister Parveen Bala, in his capacity as the Minister responsible for Justice and Anti-Corruption, to ensure that immediate action is taken regarding immediate family members of LTA employees and board members holding PSV permits and licences.
Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted that a number of the PSV licences and permits were acquired by these employees and board members while holding office.
He also says that in a number of cases, the PSV permits and licenses were acquired in the name of immediate family members, namely spouse and children, for the benefit of these employees and board members.
