Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakoro has been ordered to amend the charges against former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to correctly include a hyphen in his name. Sayed-Khaiyum, along with former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Health Minister Dr. Neil Sharma, is facing allegations of abuse of office linked to the Ministry of Health’s tender process in 2011.
Bainimarama is charged with one count of abuse of office, while Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office and another of obstructing justice. Dr. Sharma faces multiple counts of abuse of office and breach of trust for favoring a specific company during the tender process, ultimately disadvantaging other bidders.
The error with Sayed-Khaiyum’s name was described by Tabuakoro as a minor technical issue. However, Sayed-Khaiyum’s lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, emphasized the significance of the correct name representation, leading to the judge’s directive for the necessary corrections.
Additionally, Sharma has filed a request for the recusal of a certain state lawyer from involvement in the case. The defendants are scheduled to enter their pleas on October 7.
This case highlights ongoing legal challenges faced by high-ranking officials in Fiji, echoing previous controversies involving allegations of misconduct within governmental processes. The developments are part of a broader dialogue regarding accountability and integrity within public service roles.
As legal proceedings unfold, there remains a commitment to justice and procedural adherence. The upcoming plea hearings will further clarify the legal standings of the individuals involved, offering a chance for resolution and a potential step towards restoring public trust in governmental institutions.
Leave a comment