PS Navakamocea threatens line minister in social media outburst

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs has been plunged into turmoil after its Permanent Secre­tary publicly threatened to expose his Minister to the Prime Minister in an ex­traordinary online outburst.

Permanent Secretary Jone Navakamocea, in a 'Face­book' post on Friday, accused Minister Ifereimi Vasu of damaging his reputation and questioned his leadership, la­belling him a "coward".

Mr Navakamocea also point­ed to an alleged connection between Mr Vasu and con­victed drug and sex trafficker Jason Zhong.

"Rogoca vinaka kemuni Turaga rere ka lamulamu...ni sega ni rawata na vakat­ulewa vakadodonu ka maro­roya na Vanua kei na kawa iTaukei," he wrote in iTaukei, accusing the Minister of fail­ing to make honest decisions to protect iTaukei interests.

Public Service Commis­sion (PSC) chairman Luke Rokovada said the outburst was "unacceptable" and had brought disrepute to the min­istry and Government.

Mr Vasu said any action against Mr Navakamocea rests with the PSC, which is expected to meet with Mr Na­vakamocea when he returns to work next week.