The Suva High Court has commenced its examination of the case against former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who faces allegations regarding his authority while serving as Prime Minister and Chair of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) in 2022. The crux of the case revolves around Sayed-Khaiyum’s involvement in signing a second Deed of Variation and Addendum, which reportedly granted a waiver of additional deductible taxes owed by former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem. Concerns have been raised about whether this action was executed with the necessary approvals from the President or the COC.
During the questioning, Sayed-Khaiyum maintained that no formal waiver for Saneem was issued, stating that the second deed was meant to replace the first and to provide clarifications. He referred to the minutes from a COC meeting on January 1, 2023, attended by several high-ranking officials, during which Saneem’s salary increment was approved. Sayed-Khaiyum participated in this meeting via Zoom and reported that no issues regarding the tax element of Saneem’s back pay were raised.
He emphasized his lack of knowledge regarding any payments processed by the Fiji Electoral Office in 2021 and noted that he was reviewing several documents for the first time in the context of this trial. Sayed-Khaiyum clarified that a refund of $55,944 was categorized as income, subsequently taxed, and posited that this did not financially harm the government. Importantly, he pointed out that the complaint about these matters did not originate from the President or the government but from the current Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa.
The Chief Justice underscored the legal complexities associated with the Deed of Variation in Saneem’s case, with serious allegations facing both individuals involved. Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with abuse of office, while Saneem is charged with receiving a corrupt benefit, which alleges unlawful requests for tax relief exceeding $55,000 on back pay.
The state is scheduled to continue its examination of Sayed-Khaiyum later today. This case is significant, highlighting the need for adherence to proper authority and compliance within governmental protocols. The ongoing proceedings could have far-reaching implications for governance, accountability, and public trust in Fiji’s electoral framework. The emphasis on legal clarity and procedural integrity reflects a collective dedication to transparency that is crucial in reinstating public confidence in governmental institutions.