The Public Service Commission has terminated the services of Fepulea’i Mark Alesana after a month of controversy over his connection to an Indian company and allegations of impropriety.

The Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the Maritime Division of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (M.W.T.I.) was given his termination orders on Monday, after he tried to hand in his resignation letter and response to charges of alleged corruption.

Minister of M.W.T.I. Papali’i Niko Lee Hang confirmed his termination when contacted yesterday by the Samoa Observer, who added that he supported the sacking of the top bureaucrat.

Repeated efforts to get a comment from Fepulea’i were unsuccessful as of press time. 

Earlier this month the P.S.C. slapped Fepulea’i with six charges over his alleged connection to an Indian company, which raised allegations of corruption against the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Afamasaga Su’a Pou Onesemo in a letter they wrote to the P.S.C.

The allegations led to the suspension of the C.E.O, pending the conclusion of a police investigation. The charges, which were strongly denied by Afamasaga, were raised by a former Member of Parliament of the Government of India, Sh.P.K. Bansal and his company Ascent Navals.

The Minister told Samoa Observer yesterday that the A.C.E.O. tendered his resignation and his response to the charges. But his response did not satisfy the P.S.C, consequently his services were terminated with immediate effect.

Fepulea’i will not receive his benefits as he has been terminated by the P.S.C, said the Minister.

“I also support the decision by the P.S.C. to terminate his services, due to the severity of the matter.

“And I support the recommendation by the P.S.C. and even if they refer the matter to the Attorney General’s office for his review, whether the matter is sufficient for criminal proceedings and that is their perogative and well within their authoritative lane,” he added.

The Minister said if it is proven that there is misconduct leading to corruption then he would support the move to refer the matter to the Office of the Attorney General and the police for further investigation.

In relation to the M.W.T.I. Chief Executive Officer, he said the investigations by the P.S.C and the police continues.