Former Pacific Technical and Further Education (TAFE) chief executive officer Hasmukh Lal has written to the University of the South Pacific council, saying he is willing to withdraw a legal challenge over his termination in return for an independent investigation.
Mr Lal was employed as Pacific TAFE CEO until his termination on May 22 this year.
“I was summarily dismissed without full due process and natural justice,” he said in the letter.
“I would like to formally notify council that I am prepared to withdraw my case against the university from the court if the council stands ready to review my case and allow an independent investigation.”
Mr Lal said once the facts in his case were properly reviewed, his innocence would be established.
He also told the USP council he would accept the decision if the investigation committee found him guilty.
“USP will be free from risk and liability in respect of my claim.
“Clearing my name is more important to me than a victory in the court and therefore I am willing to leave the ball in council’s court.”
Mr Lal said the USP council had in the past corrected decisions of vice-chancellors. “I kindly request the same in my case.
“If the USP council initiates an independent review of my case I will be satisfied that a fair process has been followed.”
Mr Lal maintained in his letter that he was wrongly dismissed.
“If the council accepts my proposal, then it would be fair for the USP to ensure that I am paid all my dues under the employment contract until the completion of the independent process.”
USP council chairman Winston Thompson yesterday told this newspaper the council secretariat had received the letter.
“It has been sent to all the council members and at some time we will need to acknowledge it,” he said.
“For now I am not in a position to say what will happen to the letter.”
