Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has defended Minister for iTaukei Affairs Ifereimi Vasu after his professional partnership with Jason Zhong — a businessman convicted for drug-related crimes several years ago — was raised on social media by Opposition MPs.
Mr Rabuka said it was unfortunate that social media had sensationalised the issue.
“I am informed that Honourable Vasu’s business partner has served his time,” he said.
“The Irrelevant Convictions Act 1997 and Yellow Ribbon policy are relevant to the rehabilitation of offenders and part of the change in policy for corrections from punitive containment to corrective rehabilitation and the reintegration of offenders into society.
“Honourable Vasu meets the constitutional requirement for members of Parliament.
“In addition, all ministers are public office holders bound by the Constitution, in particular Section 91 (2).”
Mr Rabuka said ministers and assistant ministers were also bound by their constitutional oath or affirmation of allegiance upon taking office.
In addition, he said they were also bound by the rules governing the conduct of ministers in the Cabinet Manual.
“The rules elaborate on the oath or affirmation of allegiance as set out in the Constitution.
“Most importantly, Honourable Vasu submitted his declaration on assets, liabilities, and income under the Electoral Act 2014 to the Fiji Elections Office. These candidate declarations are published by FEO.
“The declarations are also accessible from the FEO, upon request.”
