25 Nov 2005

Many in Fiji public service using travel scam, says PM

10:15 am on 25 November 2005

Fiji's prime minister says there are many in the public service and even in parliament who are using the same travel practices as the former chief executive of the labour ministry.

Laisenia Qarase made the comment to Fiji TV after the High Court dismissed charges against Brian Singh on finding that he had no case to answer.

Mr Singh was alleged to have travelled economy class when the state paid for business seats and pocketed the difference.

Mr Qarase says he found the practice improper but it would have been unfair to convict Mr Singh when so many others including MPs were doing the same.

The Fiji Public Service Association is demanding that Brian Singh should be restored to his job as was done in the case of Mr Shiu Raj.