The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) is calling on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to remove Charan Jeath Singh from Cabinet as Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry.
Centre co-ordinator Shamima Ali said Mr Singh had consistently displayed bullying and rude behaviour unbecoming of a national leader who was paid by taxpayers, and contrary to our cultural values.
“His recent public outbursts in the castigation of a senior civil servant must not be ignored,” Ms Ali said.
“When he is not telling off senior civil servants, Mr Singh is threatening to bulldoze the cane fields of hardworking farmers.”
She said the recent public humiliation of the acting permanent secretary by the minister was unacceptable and warrants immediate action by the Prime Minister.
“Anyone who does not treat Fijians with dignity and respect does not deserve to be in national leadership. The Public Service Commission must also ensure that there is due process followed if there is to be any change in the permanent secretary.
“Workers’ rights should be recognised and always upheld.
“Disciplinary action should follow proper disciplinary procedures which surely the civil service has, and this must be treated with confidentiality. This is a basic human right.”
The FWCC urged the Public Service Commission to follow proper procedures if any disciplinary action is to be taken against the acting PS or the minister, without bias.
When contacted yesterday, Mr Singh said he does not want to respond to Ms Ali’s statement.
