In the ongoing legal proceedings at the Suva High Court involving former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem and former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Financial Controller of the Fijian Elections Office (FEO), Romika Sewak, provided illuminating testimony. The charges against Saneem and Sayed-Khaiyum center around allegations of corrupt benefits and abuse of office, respectively.
Sewak testified that she was unfamiliar with the procedures involving the original deed of variation for Saneem’s term of service, expressing her surprise at having to process back pay for a period extending one and a half years. Pertinent to her testimony was the financial review and significant salary increase Saneem received in 2022, raising his pay from $221,000 to $350,000 following recommendations from an independent committee. The increased pay included a substantial back pay exceeding $168,000, covering from January to December.
The court learned that payments were processed after two Deeds of Variation (DOV) were involved. However, certain aspects, such as Saneem’s request for back pay and queries about tax deductions, were portrayed as atypical practices. During the pandemic, a 10% salary reduction took place, and the back pay adjustments reflected ordinary taxes subtracted from his salary, which was settled after the second DOV.
Key concerns arose regarding authorization as Sayed-Khaiyum, acting as Prime Minister, allegedly signed the DOV allowing government payments of Saneem’s tax obligations without proper authorization. These actions were claimed to lack the necessary approval from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President, spotlighting concerns over governance practices and accountability.
The trial, highlighting ethical considerations in governance, is set to continue, with bail for Saneem and Sayed-Khaiyum extended. This case underscores the critical need for transparent public sector conduct and may prompt discussions on improving procedural transparency and accountability in government operations in Fiji.
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