Fiji AG broke laws, say sacked TV execs

Transcript

The sacked Fiji TV executives say the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum broke laws and violated the constitution in last year's row over rights to broadcast Rugby Sevens.

They say he misled parliament and should be held accountable.

Fiji TV was forced to sublease rugby rights to the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation after securing sole rights from the sport's governing body.

Koro Vaka'uta reports.

Chief Executive Tevita Gonelevu and Content Manager Tanya Waqanika were fired shortly after the sublease agreement was signed. Both contended that management was forced to sign the agreement by the Attorney General to ensure Fiji TV would get its six-month broadcasting licence was renewed. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and board members denied this and any other allegations of government interference.

AIYAZ SAYED-KHAIYUM: We can't tell private companies what to do.  That's the reality, Fiji Television has its own shareholders etc.  Like I said that it would appear there are some fractures within the hierarchy of Fiji Television.  That's something for them to sort out.

But the latest comprehensive complaint includes an image of a text allegedly from Mr Sayed-Khaiyum that was forwarded to Fiji TV executives by board member Nouzab Fareed. The text reads: "Your people are still not playing ball.  Non-compliance attracts heavy penalties but we should not have to go down that path.  Please ensure compliance and proactively assist to get the feed before the series starts tomorrow morning. Thanks."  Ms Waqanika says the text supports allegations of government interference.

TANYA WAQANIKA: That the Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney-General, interfered with a public listed company which contradicts his media statements, his parliamentary statements that there was no interference by him. So he lied. He blatantly, repeatedly lied.

The complaint has also been sent to members of parliament and the police commissioner as well as the Prime Minister.  Ms Waqanika says she wants the truth to be known and changes to be made.

TANYA WAQANIKA: The sub-licensing contract, given the manner and the conduct, given the manner it was done.  That agreement is declared null and void.  Fiji TV should be given back exclusiveness that it rightfully got.

But the Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has dismissed the concerns. His office sent out a written statement that was to be delivered at the opening of a local health facility.  The statement pointed to his frustration at the opposition attempts to score cheap political points.      

FRANK BAINIMARAMA: They seem obsessed with what happened to two executives who fell out with the Board. Whereas all I care about is that we were able to ensure that every Fijian with access to a television set was able to watch the rugby for free and will continue to be able to watch the Fijian rugby team when it plays in major tournaments.

The statement went on to say the Prime Minister was not interested in anything other than giving every Fijian, no matter where they live, the right to see their national team and he made no apology for doing everything humanly possible to make sure that happened.