Chief Justice Salesi Temo is overseeing a significant legal case involving former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem, who both appeared in the Suva High Court today. They face serious charges of abuse of office and receiving corrupt benefits tied to actions taken during their respective roles in government.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) states that between June 30 and July 12, 2022, while Sayed-Khaiyum was serving as Acting Prime Minister, he signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum which allowed for a payment made to Saneem without the necessary approvals from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President. Specifically, Saneem is accused of illegally requesting and receiving more than $55,000 in tax relief related to his back-pay.
The trial is set to take place from September 15 to October 3, 2025, with the next hearing scheduled for July 16, 2025, to address pleas, potential bail modifications, and pre-trial matters. Both defendants continue to remain on bail as proceedings move forward.
This legal case has garnered significant public attention, reflecting broader concerns about accountability and governance in Fiji. As the trial approaches, it may present an opportunity for restoring public trust in government institutions if transparency and justice are upheld throughout the process. The outcomes could potentially influence future policies on public office ethics and conduct.
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