14 Jun 2007

Fiji Sugar Cane Growers accuse a government minister of corruption

4:08 pm on 14 June 2007

The Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Association is accusing the interim finance and sugar minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, of nepotism and corruption.

The general secretary of the Cane Growers Association, Bala Dass, says a recent appointment of a former Labour party MP to a senior position in the sugar ministry was unfair.

Mr Dass says since the military takeover in December all those appointed to sugar industry jobs have been from the Labour Party.

The accusation comes as the interim administration warns that any public servants and officials who are found to be corrupt, will face dismissal.

But Mr Dass says the government should take responsibility for the actions of it's own ministers.

"My concern is the minister for sugar is Mr Chaudhry and he is part and parcel of the executive administration so he should play fair. I think there are other candidates who are suitable for this position."

Mr Dass says he is calling on the government to show him a copy of the job description for the post, and once he has that, he will take the matter up with the interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.