I AM not in the business of mudslinging, says University of the South Pacific vice-chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. He made the comment in response to statements made against him by former and USP academics in the local media.
“I think they are making very defamatory remarks against me,” Prof Ahluwalia said, speaking to this newspaper from Brisbane, Australia.
“I think they need to think about what they are doing, I am still the vice-chancellor and I am the VC for all staff.”
Prof Ahluwalia also said while certain media organisations in Fiji were focusing on a letter, allegedly signed by former and current academics, he was overwhelmed by the mounting support given him.
“The main thing we need to think about is there are only 11 people who signed the letter but look at the support I am getting from our students, staff and alumni –– there’s nearly 6000 people who have signed a petition.
“Where is the balance, why isn’t anybody talking about the nearly 6000 who are supporting me and are saying that what has happened to me was wrong.
“I feel very humbled because I have only tried to do one thing, I was hired with a mandate to give the university strategy, make sure the place was run with good governance and with good regulations.
“When I found these things wanting, I think all the staff and students appreciated what I did, my focus has always been that first and foremost we must always be student-centered and second that our staff is our most valuable resource.”
