The Suva High Court has recently examined evidence that suggests former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, might have faced improper tax deductions pertaining to his back pay. This testimony was brought forth by former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during the ongoing legal proceedings, where he is facing charges of abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit.
During the hearing, the court learned that the Fiji Elections Office had withheld around $110,840 in taxes from Saneem’s back pay, although the actual tax obligation was determined to be approximately $67,000. Additionally, a puzzling adjustment of $12,000 was added, contributing to an overpayment of around $55,000, which has already been refunded to Saneem.
Sayed-Khaiyum pointed out that Saneem’s contract specified that the government would cover any extra taxes related to his back pay; however, no such payments were made, leading to the entirety of tax deductions being taken from Saneem’s earnings. Further elaborating on Saneem’s compensation, Sayed-Khaiyum mentioned that an independent committee had recommended a salary range for Saneem between $320,000 and $370,000, which included various other benefits after the 2013 Constitution was implemented.
The court was also informed that the Electoral Commission, which oversaw Saneem, had the responsibility for approving any bonuses linked to his role. Once the Constitutional Offices Commission addressed Saneem’s compensation, the conclusions were formally communicated to the President, subsequently followed by the signing of a deed of variation between Saneem and the government.
In a noteworthy twist, accusations emerged that during his tenure as Acting Prime Minister and Chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission in 2022, Sayed-Khaiyum executed a second Deed of Variation and Addendum. This action allegedly facilitated the payment or waiver of additional taxes owed by Saneem without the necessary authorization from the President or the Commission, raising significant questions about governance and accountability.
Saneem is presently accused of soliciting and receiving a benefit that includes tax relief on his back pay, specifically amounting to $55,944.03 from Sayed-Khaiyum. The court has now been adjourned, with subsequent proceedings set for Monday, where the state is expected to interrogate a defense witness.
This trial encapsulates intricate questions concerning ethics and governance within Fiji’s public sector. The eventual verdict may spark substantial debate and potentially instigate reforms aimed at boosting transparency and public accountability. As the legal process advances, it could also pave the way for strengthening ethical standards in governmental operations, fostering greater public trust in electoral and administrative frameworks in Fiji.