The Suva High Court has affirmed that former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem will face charges in relation to their alleged misconduct while in office. This decision, rendered by Judge Justice Salesi Temo, follows an in-depth examination of documentary evidence, agreed facts, and pertinent case laws.
The legal proceedings ensued after the prosecution concluded its case, providing both oral and documentary evidence. Meanwhile, the defense countered with additional documents during cross-examination of prosecution witnesses. The judge’s decision leaned heavily on sections 231(1) and (2) of the Criminal Procedures Act 2009, which address the viability of no-case-to-answer submissions.
Central to the trial are allegations of abuse of office by Sayed-Khaiyum and accusations of Saneem receiving illicit financial benefits. The charges suggest that in 2022, during his tenure as Prime Minister and Chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission, Sayed-Khaiyum improperly facilitated a Deed of Variation and Addendum. This arrangement allegedly enabled Saneem to bypass mandatory deductible taxes on his back pay without the necessary endorsement from the President or the Constitutional Offices Commission.
Additionally, Saneem is accused of unlawfully securing over $50,000 in tax deductions on his back pay, purportedly through Sayed-Khaiyum’s orchestration. The alleged activities occurred between June and July 2022.
With the High Court’s ruling, both Sayed-Khaiyum and Saneem must now present their defense strategies in future proceedings. This case underscores the ethical challenges faced by public officials and highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in governmental practices. Observers are keenly watching the case as it unfolds, recognizing its potential to influence public confidence and governance practices. The hope remains for a just resolution that affirms the core values of integrity in public service.