Fisheries minister Konisi Yabaki has refuted claims that he received bribes from two Asian fishing companies.
It has been alleged that Yabaki, his former permanent Secretary Vuetisau Buatoka, the Deputy Director of Fisheries Maciu Lagibalavu and his deputy Malakai Tuiloa received bribes from Winfull Fishing Company and Seafresh Fiji Limited.
Yabaki says he only met with Winfull Fishing Company once while visiting all the fish companies. He says he came to know of Seafresh Fiji Limited through a joint business venture with the province of Kadavu.
Yabaki says he also held talks with executives of the company to discuss new fish licensing conditions and there were casual talks on the bribery allegations. Both companies have denied bribing any official of the Fisheries Ministry.