31 Mar 2005

Fiji public servants face sack for fraud and corruption

9:29 am on 31 March 2005

Fiji's public service commission has warned civil servants that they face the sack if found guilty of fraud and corruption.

Radio Legend says the warning comes as the commission's disciplinary committee prepares to hear the mitigation of two senior fisheries officials who have been found guilty of issuing fishing licences in return for money.

The chief executive of the PSC, Anare Jale, says the two, Malakai Tuiloa and Maciu Ligabalavu, face dismissal.

The suspended director of fisheries, Tuiloa, has been found guilty on three of the six charges brought against him while Ligabalavu has been found guilty on two of eight charges.

Mr Jale says the commission won't condone corrupt practices in the public service.

Meanwhile, the commission chairman, Stuart Huggett says they will soon have legislation in place to protect whistleblowers who provide information on corrupt practices within the public service.