I refer to the news item ‘Gaffarena property scandal: Protagonist gets top job at Lands Authority’ (April 3).

The facts of the case remain that immediately after the National Audit Office published its findings, I personally questioned these findings through an affidavit outlining my strong reservations. Eventually, I was summoned to appear before the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament where I have given my full collaboration and testimony. I was also questioned by the police for several hours where, again, I offered my total collaboration outlining the facts as they were.

Neither the Public Accounts Committee nor the police recommended any action against me.

In the process, I had, on my own initiative, resigned from the post I held at the Government Property Division at the time to be in a position to defend myself with integrity.

I have been employed with the government and at the Lands Department for almost 40 years. I have progressed on my merit, promoted under different governments and different ministers and parliamentary secretaries.

I have done my job loyally and diligently for all these years and I will continue to discharge my duties responsibly.

The case mentioned in the said news item almost destroyed my career and me personally having to go through serious health issues. My family has suffered with me in silence.