The ongoing trial at the Suva High Court has brought forward significant evidence regarding the alleged misuse of power by former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and financial benefits received by former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem. During the court session, Former Secretariat of the Constitutional Offices Commission and Acting Solicitor-General Preetika Prasad testified that the drafting of Saneem’s contract did not involve the President, reinforcing his limited role to merely appoint the Supervisor of Elections based on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC).
Sayed-Khaiyum stands accused of abusing his office, allegedly signing a Deed of Variation and Addendum that approved government payments for Saneem’s taxes without the necessary authorization, hence providing a financial benefit to Saneem. Prasad highlighted that Saneem was not part of this decision-making process, and the responsibility of determining salary and benefits lies with the Prime Minister as COC’s chairperson. She also mentioned that although the government agreed to cover additional taxes on Saneem’s back pay, Saneem himself was still liable for these taxes.
Throughout the trial, there has been a focus on the processes and authorizations surrounding the variations in the contractual agreements. These agreements reportedly lacked the approval from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President. Additionally, allegations emerged of Saneem receiving a tax benefit exceeding $50,000, which has raised concerns about transparency and proper governance practices.
The trial, which continues, emphasizes the necessity for transparency and adherence to legal procedures within public service, potentially leading to reforms to reinforce accountability and ethical governance. The case is pivotal in examining administrative conduct and is crucial for maintaining public trust in governmental and electoral processes in Fiji.