The Fijian Government had requested the University of the South Pacific Pro-Chancellor and council chair, Winston Thompson, to step aside for the duration of investigations against Vice-Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia.

In an interview, Minister for Education Rosy Akbar said at the beginning of the council meeting on Friday, June 19, she, as the head of the Fijian Government delegation in the council, requested Mr Thompson to step aside.

She said there was no request for a suspension.

Last night, Mr Thompson said the request for him to step aside was part of a broader discussion.

It is understood that during the council meeting, Ms Akbar had made mention of the issue, however the council chose to deal with the single item on the agenda regarding VC Pal’s reinstatement.

The next date of the council meeting to determine whether Mr Thompson will step aside pending investigations is yet to be confirmed.

Edited by Ivamere Nataro

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