In the ongoing legal proceedings against former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, and former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, significant developments have emerged. During a trial at the Suva High Court, new evidence was presented by Afrina Hussein, the Fijian Elections Office Manager of Human Resources, shedding light on internal processes and decisions.
Hussein testified about a closed-door meeting with Saneem in 2022 that pertained to a salary increase—a crucial detail that could bolster the case against Saneem, who faces charges of receiving a corrupt benefit. Meanwhile, Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with abuse of office, with the alleged misconduct centered around the handling of Saneem’s compensation.
Central to the trial, Hussein highlighted the existence of Saneem’s employment contract in his personal file, which was also shared with the finance team. This document became pivotal in salary negotiations, leading to the issuance of a Deed of Variation in July 2022. A second deed was reportedly used to manage allowances as needed. Notably, Hussein pointed out that the initial deed was returned to Saneem without explanation—an action she deemed inconsistent with HR policies.
Romika Sewak, the Financial Controller, had previously testified about irregularities involving back pay and tax deductions. Sewak accounted for back pay spanning 18 months, which resulted in a significant salary hike for Saneem, from $221,000 to $350,000, along with back pay exceeding $168,000. These changes were formalized through the second Deed of Variation, allegedly signed by the Prime Minister without necessary approvals from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President, raising serious procedural concerns.
These developments highlight major ethical and legal issues within governance practices, underscoring the vital need for transparency and accountability in leadership roles. As the trial progresses, it emphasizes the need for broader discussions on procedural improvements in public office governance. Such revelations are pivotal in reinforcing public trust and maintaining integrity within Fiji’s electoral and governance frameworks. The case remains essential in ensuring that ethical standards are upheld in public institutions.