Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo has expressed criticism towards the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, for engaging in a lengthy conversation for over 45 minutes with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. During his testimony in court, Temo highlighted that Sayed-Khaiyum was a polarizing figure during that period, implying that Pryde should have upheld his integrity as the Chief Prosecutor.
Temo noted that the establishment of the Coalition Government had created significant mistrust between the previous administration and the current one. He referenced public comments made by the Prime Minister indicating that senior public officers unable to adapt should resign honorably. He emphasized that, as the top prosecutor appointed by the former government, Pryde should have adhered strictly to his legal obligations.
When questioned about whether the Judicial Services Commission possessed details of the dialogue between Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum, Justice Temo remarked that no specific contents were available, but photographs presented as evidence suggested a serious discussion was underway.
Fiji Law Society Lawyer Laurel Vaurasi inquired if there were established guidelines for addressing such complaints. Justice Temo clarified that while there were no formal guidelines, judicial officers receive training regarding ethical behaviors, constitutional oaths, and avoiding conflicts of interest—principles that apply both in and out of the courtroom.
Due to conflicting accounts between the Attorney-General, representing the government, and the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding the situation, Temo recommended to the President, in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Office, the establishment of a tribunal to investigate the matter. He stressed the necessity of this action to prevent lingering issues that could harm the relationship between the government and the DPP.
The tribunal is currently investigating allegations of misconduct involving Pryde. It should be noted that on February 28, 2023, the suspended DPP was observed speaking with Sayed-Khaiyum as the Criminal Investigation Department conducted an ongoing investigation into the former Attorney-General. Additionally, as of December 4, 2023, Pryde was reportedly receiving a monthly superannuation payment of US$1,000 without proper authorization.
The proceedings in court are set to continue at 10 am, as the tribunal seeks to determine the appropriateness of the DPP’s actions.
This situation underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to ethical standards within public offices, particularly in times of political transition. By addressing these issues head-on and ensuring accountability, it provides an opportunity for governance to strengthen trust and integrity in public service.
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