Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum recently provided testimony in ongoing legal proceedings at the Suva High Court, confirming his awareness of a letter from the Electoral Commission addressed to then-Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. This letter requested a review of the former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem’s, salary and benefits, highlighting a significant oversight in Saneem’s compensation, which had not been addressed from 2014 to 2021.
During his testimony, Sayed-Khaiyum articulated that Saneem had the right to request a salary review following this protracted period without one. He suggested that should the government have deemed any clauses in the “replacement” deed illegal, it had the option to remove them, yet no action has taken place in this regard. He noted that the financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic might have contributed to the delay in addressing the salary review.
The courtroom drama intensified as Sayed-Khaiyum pointed out terms regarding Saneem’s appointment, stressing that the execution of these terms was the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the chair of the Constitutional Officers Commission, who act on behalf of the government.
Sayed-Khaiyum is under charges of abuse of office, while Saneem faces accusations regarding a corrupt benefit amounting to $55,944.03 obtained in 2022. The trial continues with the intricacies of both cases drawing public attention to issues of governance and integrity within Fiji’s electoral processes.
Earlier testimonies surfaced during this high-profile case, with evidence emerging regarding a substantial salary hike that Saneem received in 2022, which raised his pay considerably following recommendations from an independent committee. Concerns related to the improper authorization of tax payments on behalf of Saneem have also been focal points in the court.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a critical reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public office, with potential implications for reform in governance practices as Fiji navigates these troubling revelations. The judicial proceedings are set to continue, and the outcomes may shape public confidence in the electoral and governmental systems.