The ongoing trial at the Suva High Court has shed light on serious allegations of power misuse by the former Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and financial improprieties benefiting the former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem. Key testimony was given by Preetika Prasad, who formerly held roles as the Secretariat of the Constitutional Offices Commission and Acting Solicitor-General. Her testimony detailed how the drafting of Saneem’s contract bypassed the involvement of the President, whose role was merely to appoint the Supervisor of Elections following advice from the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC).
Sayed-Khaiyum faces charges of abusing his office, accused of signing a Deed of Variation and Addendum that allowed for government payments to cover Saneem’s taxes without proper authorization, thereby providing Saneem with unjust financial benefits. Prasad emphasized that Saneem was not involved in the decision-making process regarding his contract terms, noting the responsibility for setting salaries and benefits resides with the Prime Minister, who chairs the COC. Moreover, although the government undertook to pay additional taxes on Saneem’s back pay, Prasad clarified that Saneem still held personal liability for these taxes.
The trial has been particularly focused on the approval processes concerning variations in Saneem’s contractual agreements, which reportedly lacked necessary authorization from both the COC and the President. Allegations have arisen that Saneem received a tax advantage exceeding $50,000, raising issues about transparency and the integrity of governance practices.
As the trial continues, it highlights the critical need for transparency and adherence to legal procedures within the public sector, potentially spurring reforms to bolster accountability and ethical standards in governance. The case is pivotal in scrutinizing administrative conduct and plays a crucial role in sustaining public confidence in Fiji’s governmental and electoral processes.