The court case involving former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem is currently awaiting judgment, as Chief Justice Salesi Temo has requested extra time to thoroughly review the evidence presented. Justice Temo emphasized the necessity of this careful examination to ensure that a fair and accurate ruling is made.
The case has now been rescheduled for March 30, where the Chief Justice will continue to evaluate the details surrounding the allegations. Sayed-Khaiyum faces a charge of abuse of office, while Saneem is confronted with charges of receiving a corrupt benefit exceeding $55,000 in tax relief related to his back pay.
Senior Defence Counsel Devanesh Sharma, alongside attorney Gul Fatima, is representing the defendants, while Acting DPP Nancy Tikoisuva leads the prosecution, with the complainant being the current Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa.
The allegations against Sayed-Khaiyum state that during his tenure as Prime Minister between June 30 and July 12, 2022, he signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum that allowed the government to pay Saneem’s taxes without the necessary approvals from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President of Fiji. Additionally, Saneem is accused of seeking and obtaining a waiver of taxes on his back pay without proper authorization or justification during his term.
These legal proceedings raise critical concerns regarding governance and accountability, underscoring the importance of maintaining the rule of law in public office. As this case unfolds, the judiciary’s careful method aims to ensure justice is upheld, reflecting a commitment to transparency within the nation’s legal framework. The outcome will be watched closely, particularly for its implications on public trust in governance and legal accountability.