NATIONAL Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad “sucked up” to University of the South Pacific’s vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia so his wife could get promoted, claims Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Mr Bainimarama said Prof Prasad had “two agendas and one was to attack Prof Rajesh and the other one was to suck up to Ahluwalia so his wife can get that post”.
“His wife was not supposed to be appointed to that position and one professor tried to justify Biman’s wife’s appointment, but in the end he said she had to be given that post because immigration wouldn’t allow anyone from outside to take up that post.
“That’s a joke because half of the university’s lecturers are expats so why wouldn’t we allow anyone from outside.”
Mr Bainimarama said when Prof Ahluwalia took up the post as vice-chancellor, Prof Prasad got close to him which is why he (Ahluwalia) diverted from his duties as the university’s VC.
“Biman had an agenda and he started with Ahluwalia who during the interview for the post of VC, I understand answered all questions right until he got in and diverted from what he was supposed to do because Biman stuck with him from the beginning.”
The walkout of Parliament last Monday, Mr Bainimarama said, was led by Prof Prasad because the SODELPA members of Parliament returned.
“We covered the USP 2017 Report and the Opposition used that opportunity to bring forward events concerning Ahluwalia so during the Opposition’s reply to the report, not a single word came out of Biman.
“But we all know why and that he was hiding something, he didn’t want the story about his wife coming forward in Parliament.”
In response, Prof Prasad said Mr Bainimarama had stooped to gutter-level in his latest diatribe, describing his comments as petulantly childish.
“How low can the leader of a nation go with his despicable and defamatory comments?
“But it is symptomatic of a man desperate to camouflage his government’s failures and massive betrayal of promises that has brought our beloved country to the brink of abyss.
“Unlike the Government which has a serious delusional and desperately infantile messiah complex, I am not that powerful so as to even think that I can pull strings for my personal and nepotistic gain like they do as claimed by the Prime Minister.”
Prof Prasad said his wife was highly qualified and an exemplary woman in her own right whom he supported in her professional career.
“I am proud that on merit and gender she is smashing glass ceilings as a beacon for other young women in Fiji.
“Dr Chand has always believed and promoted meritocracy and she has earned her new appointment on merit.”
‘Where is the balance’ – I am not in the business of mudslinging, Ahluwalia tells critics
By FELIX CHAUDHARY
I AM not in the business of mudslinging, says University of the South Pacific vice-chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. He made the comment in response to statements made against him by former and USP academics in the local media.
“I think they are making very defamatory remarks against me,” Prof Ahluwalia said, speaking to this newspaper from Brisbane, Australia.
“I think they need to think about what they are doing, I am still the vice-chancellor and I am the VC for all staff.”
Prof Ahluwalia also said while certain media organisations in Fiji were focusing on a letter, allegedly signed by former and current academics, he was overwhelmed by the mounting support given him.
“The main thing we need to think about is there are only 11 people who signed the letter but look at the support I am getting from our students, staff and alumni –– there’s nearly 6000 people who have signed a petition.
“Where is the balance, why isn’t anybody talking about the nearly 6000 who are supporting me and are saying that what has happened to me was wrong.
“I feel very humbled because I have only tried to do one thing, I was hired with a mandate to give the university strategy, make sure the place was run with good governance and with good regulations.
“When I found these things wanting, I think all the staff and students appreciated what I did, my focus has always been that first and foremost we must always be student-centered and second that our staff is our most valuable resource.”
