Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has refuted claims that a conversation he had with the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, was linked to the ongoing investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department. During the first day of Pryde’s tribunal hearing at the Court of Appeal in Suva, Sayed-Khaiyum indicated that their dialogue was primarily personal, concerning their children, Emma Pryde and Ibrahim Sayed-Khaiyum.
The encounter in question took place at a diplomatic event on February 28, 2023, when the Criminal Investigation Department was actively investigating Sayed-Khaiyum, and the case file had already been submitted to the DPP’s office. Pryde has been on full pay suspension since April 2023 pending the tribunal’s investigation into allegations of ‘misbehaviour.’ He stated that he would not attend the tribunal unless his salary was reinstated.
Sayed-Khaiyum elaborated that during the event, he engaged in discussions with various officials, including ambassadors and members of Parliament. He contested the framing of the evidence presented by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, claiming it unfairly suggested he was only in conversation with Pryde.
Regarding the allegation that Sayed-Khaiyum authorized superannuation payments to Pryde without proper approval, he insisted that this issue was best handled by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), which he stated is responsible for the DPP’s remuneration. When queried about his awareness of such payments as Attorney-General, Sayed-Khaiyum admitted it was challenging to recall every transaction made for Constitutional Office holders.
Furthermore, Sayed-Khaiyum pointed to other instances of alleged misconduct involving the Minister for Justice and the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption officials, indicating that investigations continue against them and highlighting concerns he has raised about abuses of power.
Meanwhile, Minister Turaga testified that Sayed-Khaiyum and Pryde were seen isolated during the Japanese Embassy event, describing their extended conversation as “unbecoming and unethical.” He highlighted that while Pryde appeared to agree with Sayed-Khaiyum’s points, he considered their private exchange problematic, especially given the sensitive investigation at the time. After the incident, Pryde acknowledged his poor judgment and apologized to Turaga, leading Turaga to formally report the situation to the JSC.
The tribunal is set to reconvene today for further proceedings.
Summary: The ongoing tribunal hearing involves former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who denies allegations associated with a conversation with suspended DPP Christopher Pryde, asserting it was a personal discussion about their children. The tribunal’s proceedings will continue with testimonies regarding the appropriateness of their interaction given the context of an ongoing investigation into Sayed-Khaiyum.
This case underscores the need for transparency and accountability within public offices, fostering a hopeful environment where integrity in governance is prioritized.
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