Minister for Justice and former Attorney-General Siromi Turaga testified today at the special tribunal hearing for suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde in Suva. Turaga is the complainant in this case and expressed concerns regarding a lengthy conversation between Pryde and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, stating it was both unbecoming and unethical.
The tribunal is currently examining allegations of misconduct against Pryde, with the potential recommendation for his removal from the DPP position to the President. Notably, the conversation in question occurred on February 28, 2023, amidst an active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department involving Sayed-Khaiyum, whose case file was already with the DPP’s Office.
Turaga mentioned that during the conversation, which lasted over 45 minutes, both men detached themselves from other guests at the Japanese Emperor’s birthday event, which raised suspicions among other attendees, including the Minister for Sugar and the Assistant Minister for Agriculture. Turaga noted that Sayed-Khaiyum appeared to dominate the discussion while Pryde nodded in agreement, prompting Turaga to address the matter with Pryde the following day.
When asked about the specifics of his concerns, Turaga emphasized the seriousness of the ongoing investigation into alleged abuse of power by Sayed-Khaiyum. He also referenced the long-standing professional relationship between Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum, suggesting that their interaction was inappropriate under the circumstances. Turaga accused Pryde of not taking the situation seriously, describing him as “reckless” regarding the implications of their meeting. Pryde reportedly acknowledged his poor judgment and issued an apology letter.
Following these events, Turaga formally complained to the Judicial Services Commission on March 29, 2023, motivated by Pryde’s admission of wrongdoing. The tribunal is scheduled to continue tomorrow, with six witnesses expected to be summoned for testimony.
This situation underlines the importance of maintaining transparency and ethical behavior within public office. The proceedings reveal a commitment to accountability in Fiji’s legal system, as officials are being held accountable for their actions. This case may serve as a precedent for future conduct among public servants, fostering a more ethical and responsible governance environment.
Overall, the outcome of the tribunal could lead to a more rigorous approach regarding professional conduct in public service, ultimately aiming towards a more trustworthy and transparent system for the future.
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