The Suva High Court is currently hearing serious allegations against Mohammed Saneem, the former Supervisor of Elections, and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the former Attorney General of Fiji. These accusations have emerged following the testimony of Mesake Dawai, the Legal Manager at the Fijian Elections Office, who expressed concerns about Saneem’s alleged favoritism towards the FijiFirst Party and accusations of bullying during his tenure.
Dawai raised issues regarding irregularities with Saneem’s back pay, implying potential contract falsification and unauthorized transactions, which point to possible criminal conduct considering Saneem’s influential position. Another focal point is the timing of a pay raise Saneem received during an election year, leading Dawai to file a formal complaint with the police.
Sayed-Khaiyum is facing an abuse of office charge, while Saneem is alleged to have received a corrupt benefit. These charges are linked to payments approved for covering Saneem’s taxes without obtaining the necessary official approvals. This arrangement allegedly took place while Sayed-Khaiyum was serving as Acting Prime Minister, with a Deed of Variation and Addendum reportedly signed without proper authorization from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.
The trial has already included testimony from Financial Controller Romika Sewak, who discussed Saneem’s unease over tax deductions and unconventional requests linked to his back pay processing. Sewak’s account further indicates discrepancies in salary adjustments associated with Saneem’s position during the disputed period.
This case is bringing to light issues of transparency and accountability within Fiji’s administrative procedures. As the judiciary delves into these allegations, the trial underscores the vital role of legal frameworks in preserving ethical governance. Its outcome could significantly impact public trust and the integrity of electoral processes in Fiji, highlighting the necessity for transparency and legal compliance in governmental operations.