Former Permanent secretary for Fijian Affairs Ministry and Fiji's High Commissioner to Malaysia Ratu Meli Bainimarama was the first State Witness in the Fijian Holdings trial of former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase.
During cross examination by FICAC's Senior Counsel, Michael Blanchflower, Ratu Meli said Qarase participated in the meetings of the Great Council of Chiefs as financial advisor when proposal was made to open shareholding to Tikina Councils and ordinary Fijians. He says Qarase would have been aware of the decision.
Ratu Meli added that dividends of Class B shares were less than Class A shares.
Defense council, Tupou Draunidalo, then cross examined Ratu Meli who said that Class B shares in Fijian Holdings Limited were reserved for Provincial Councils.
He added that no such benefits like insurance and holidays were given to Qarase as financial advisor.
According to Ratu Meli neither the Chair of Fijian Affairs Board, nor the line Minister or the Prime Minister, controlled how the financial advisor to FAB carriers out his duties.
Ratu Meli added that the government gave a $20million loan to Fijian Holdings Limited through Fijian Affairs Board. As a result of this investment FAB became shareholder of FHL.
He said that FHL was the main government affirmative action policy at that time when it was introduced by Alliance Government when late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was Prime Minister. This was to benefit more Fijians from loan facility by government.
He said the financial advisor basically provided advice to the Fijian Affairs Board and the Great Council of Chiefs, attend meeting of Board and GCC.
Ratu Meli said that he was not a director of Fijian Holdings Limited but was just a representative of the Fijian Affairs Ministry.
The case continues in the Suva High court this hour where former CEO of FHL Sitiveni Weleilakeba is giving evidence.
Story by: Ronal Deo
