Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has firmly dismissed allegations linking his recent conversation with suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde to the ongoing Criminal Investigations Department (CID) probe against him. During the first day of Pryde’s tribunal at the Court of Appeal in Suva, Sayed-Khaiyum clarified that their discussion revolved around personal matters involving their families, specifically their children.
The backdrop of their interaction dates back to February 28, 2023, when the two were photographed chatting at a diplomatic event, coinciding with an ongoing CID investigation into Sayed-Khaiyum, with the case file already submitted to the DPP’s office. Pryde was suspended with pay in April 2023, pending the tribunal following allegations of “misbehaviour.” Notably, he has refused to attend the tribunal unless his salary is reinstated.
Sayed-Khaiyum testified he had engaged multiple individuals at that event, including foreign ambassadors, and suggested the photograph submitted by Justice Minister Siromi Turaga was misleading as it only captured him and Pryde. He could not recall the exact duration of their conversation but reiterated that it did not involve any discussion about his current case.
When pressed about allegations concerning unauthorized superannuation payments to Pryde, which reportedly amount to $1,000 per month, Sayed-Khaiyum insisted it was a matter primarily for the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and stated he had a limited role regarding remuneration discussions.
The tribunal also heard from Minister Turaga, who described the lengthy conversation between Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum as “unbecoming and unethical,” particularly in light of the investigation regarding Sayed-Khaiyum. Turaga indicated that Pryde later acknowledged his poor judgment during the conversation and issued an apology.
This ongoing tribunal process highlights critical issues of accountability and the importance of ethical conduct among public officials. As the hearings proceed, they emphasize the need for transparency and integrity within the government, fostering hope for a more responsible leadership dynamic in the future.
Summary: This article discusses the tribunal hearing involving former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and suspended DPP Christopher Pryde. Sayed-Khaiyum denies that their conversation was related to ongoing investigations against him and maintains their discussion was personal. Minister Siromi Turaga criticized the ethics of their private dialogue. The hearings continue to shed light on accountability within public office.
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