T the Fiji Institute of Accountants has been given a simple yet stern message by the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum: Do not be unscrupulous like some of your clients.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum made the comments while presenting an overview of the Fijian economy during the Fiji Institute of Accountants Symposium on the 2017-2018 National Budget at the Fiji National University Campus in Namaka, Nadi, on Friday.

“You have a duty to your profession,” he told them.

While speaking to the accountants, he urged them to be transparent while doing business and to advise their clients to follow proper taxation law.

“Government and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service will be more stringent on those breaking the law through the implementation of strict penalties as announced in the 2017-2018 Budget.

“If everybody plays by the rules, we can ensure a sustained economic growth,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

The Chief Executive Officer of  Customs and Revenue Visvanath Das said this financial year the strategy for the service is voluntary compliance and prosecution of those who do not comply.

“We are here to facilitate your business but we seek compliance.

“We want you to follow the law as it is so it is a win-win for both of us,” he said.

“We need good partnership in that respect.”

“We should behave professionally but when there is fraudulent behaviour that is when the relationship becomes poor.”

He encouraged the accountants to impose good practice and work closely within Fiji Institute of Accountants to expose and bring the people to task through naming and shaming them.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said he would be looking at new legislation to publicly name businesses and their unscrupulous accountants who were defrauding Government through tax evasion.

He said this would be a strong deterrence.

EDITED BY: Karalaini Waqanidrola

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