University of Fiji Vice Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem says National Federation Party Leader, Professor Biman Prasad, as a professor himself, should know better than to repeat wild, anonymous and defamatory allegations of corruption and fraudulent practices at the University through Radio New Zealand while Professor Prasad says the appropriate thing is to have an independent investigation and clear both sides of the story.
Professor Shameem in a statement says the University of Fiji has already informed Radio New Zealand that anyone making false and criminally defamatory allegations about any person at the University or the University itself, and anyone repeating these allegations, will be subjected to the strong arm of defamation law.
She says this also includes politicians who take pot shots at the University without substance or knowledge of the allegations, relying on gossip, innuendo and leaked misinformation from what should be a reputable media organisation.
The Vice Chancellor says Professor Prasad should take a good hard look at his own backyard before shooting off without any evidence being presented at all in the wild allegations.
Professor Shameen further says the allegations sent to Radio New Zealand were made by disgruntled and disgraced former employees who were terminated due to lack of performance or breach of Fiji’s law and others who have not performed but expect to be promoted or given permanent employment.
While responding to the comments made by Professor Shameem, Professor Prasad says the Vice Chancellor has overreacted to what he said and all he said is that if there are allegations, it is appropriate to have an independent investigation and clear both sides of the story.
Professor Prasad adds she should not extend her stance to something which he never said.
