Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa took the stand in the Suva High Court as the first prosecution witness in the trial against former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem. The trial, presided over by Chief Justice Salesi Temo, revolves around allegations of abuse of office and receiving a corrupt benefit by the accused.
Mataiciwa was questioned about her decision to bypass offering natural justice to the accused and instead filing a police complaint in February 2023. The case centers on an incident where Sayed-Khaiyum allegedly approved a payment arrangement for Saneem without the necessary endorsements, leading to a reimbursement of over $55,000 in tax payments.
Mataiciwa testified that discrepancies in a deed of variation were identified by FEO Manager Corporate Services Sanjeshwar Ram, and upon legal advice and confirmation from the Office of the President that no such payment was authorized, she escalated the matter to the police. Her mistrust of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), due to previous unaddressed complaints, influenced her decision to approach the police.
During cross-examination, Defense Counsel Devanesh Sharma highlighted a clause in Saneem’s appointment letter indicating the President’s delegation of authority to the Prime Minister regarding salary decisions. This adds complexity to the case, questioning the procedural pathway taken by Mataiciwa.
Chief Justice Temo underscored the necessity of giving the accused a chance to respond before filing a complaint, emphasizing the principles of justice. Despite Mataiciwa’s admission that she would have reconsidered her approach upon reviewing all documents, the trial continues to unfold with intricate legal and ethical implications.
The trial is reflective of broader issues concerning governance, accountability, and the integrity of public office in Fiji. With its high-profile nature, it holds the potential to impact future governance practices and reinforce the standards of transparency and ethical conduct. Observers hope the proceedings will bring clarity and uphold justice, potentially setting important precedents for the country’s institutional framework.
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