University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Stands By His Actions

The University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia stands by his actions and words against the former Vice-Chancellor and senior management on allegation of mismanagement.

Professor Pal Ahluwalia told Parliament Standing Committee on Social Affairs:  “My motive for doing this was purely that I was a new Vice-Chancellor that had come in. I had lots of whistle-blowers coming to me. I have nothing personal to gain out of the exposure but let me tell you that I have been victimised and ill-treated in this process.

“What I will say in this room because it is under Parliamentary privilege is that it has been a year of hell. I have suffered enormously and so has my family for doing the right thing. So your words mean a lot to me, I am deeply touched by what you said because it has been a very difficult year for me and my wife.”

Professor Ahluwalia said USP would implement the BDO findings and recommendations after an independent audit. He highlighted how four remuneration mechanisms were exploited and caused significant cash leakage across the USP.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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