Allegations of misconduct within the civil service have intensified following comments made online by Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs Jone Navakamocea, drawing sharp criticism from senior authorities and prompting potential legal action.
In a social media comment made on Friday, March 20th, Navakamocea allegedly criticised Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu and made claims linking him to convicted criminal Jason Zhong.
Chair of the Public Service Commission, Luke Rokovada, has described the behaviour as “unacceptable”, warning that such conduct brings the public service and government into disrepute.
Insert: Rokovada - This is not the first time
Rokovada says the matter is not an isolated incident, revealing that Navakamocea has previously been cautioned and warned on multiple occasions over similar behaviour.
In June 2025, Navakamocea was under investigation by the PSC over allged racist remarks on his social media page.
Navakamocea is currently on leave and is expected to return on April 7th, at which point he has been directed to meet with Rokovada.
He says further action will be determined following that meeting.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs says they have conducted a full assessment of the allegations and their impact, concluding that the claims are categorically untrue.
The Ministry confirms that it has instructed legal counsel to pursue all available legal avenues, with proceedings against Navakamocea to be initiated as soon as practicable.
They also warn that legal action may extend to individuals or parties who share or republish the alleged defamatory claims.
We have contacted Vasu for further comments. He has yet to respond.
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