The trial concerning former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem has brought to light an unusual financial arrangement that has captivated public attention. Testimonies in the Suva High Court revealed that Saneem received a tax reimbursement from his employer, the Fijian Elections Office (FEO), which is not typical in employer-employee relationships. The FEO’s Director of Corporate Services, Sanjeshwar Ram, and Financial Controller, Romika Sewak, expressed their surprise at this arrangement, describing it as unprecedented in their professional experience.
Central to the court proceedings are two Deeds of Variation (DoV). The first, signed by then-Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, increased Saneem’s salary to $350,000, backdated to 2021, and included significant benefits. When Saneem received his back pay, he was dismayed by the tax deductions and sought the return of the DoV document from Sewak. A subsequent DoV, endorsed by then-acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, introduced a clause where the government agreed to cover additional taxes for Saneem for the year 2021.
The transactions involved transferring $2,000 to Saneem’s mobile money account and $53,000 to his bank account, totaling a $55,000 tax reimbursement. Sewak reported concerns about these payments, which she communicated to Ram following his suspension. Despite her reservations and conversations with Saneem, the latter was primarily focused on securing the funds.
This trial is part of broader allegations involving Saneem and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Sayed-Khaiyum is accused of abuse of office for authorizing the tax payments without the required approvals, while Saneem is accused of benefiting corruptly from these payments. Saneem’s insistence and actions, coupled with procedural questions, emphasize the necessity for transparent governance practices.
As the trial continues, it highlights significant governance and ethical issues within Fiji’s public sector. This case reflects broader discussions about public accountability, ethical conduct, and the integrity of governmental institutions, with potential implications for future governance and public trust in Fiji. If rigorous scrutiny leads to policy reforms, this could reinforce transparency and ethical behavior in public offices.
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