Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has refuted claims that his conversation with suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde had any connection to the ongoing investigation against him by the Criminal Investigation Department. During the initial day of Pryde’s tribunal hearing at the Court of Appeal in Suva, Sayed-Khaiyum clarified that their discussion was focused on personal matters concerning their families, particularly their children, and not on any official case.
The conversation took place at a diplomatic event on February 28, 2023, a time when the Criminal Investigation Department was actively investigating Sayed-Khaiyum, with the case file already submitted to the DPP’s office. Pryde has been on full pay suspension since April 2023 due to allegations of misbehavior but has refused to appear before the tribunal unless his salary is reinstated.
In his testimony, Sayed-Khaiyum stated that he talked not only with Pryde but also with several other dignitaries that night, emphasizing that a close-up photograph presented as evidence by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga misleadingly suggested he was conversing exclusively with Pryde. He acknowledged he couldn’t specify the duration of their discussion and firmly denied any conversation about the investigation.
Sayed-Khaiyum faced further questions regarding a superannuation payment of $1,000 per month due to the suspended DPP, which some argue lacked proper approval from relevant commissions. He maintained that such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), asserting that he played a minor role in this process.
In contrast, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, who is also a complainant, described the conversation between Sayed-Khaiyum and Pryde as “unbecoming and unethical,” alleging that it occurred in isolation during the Japanese Emperor’s birthday celebration amidst ongoing investigations into Sayed-Khaiyum’s conduct.
Turaga noted Pryde’s admission of poor judgment in underestimating the conversation’s significance, which led to his subsequent apology and a formal complaint filed with the JSC. The hearing has been adjourned to continue today.
In summary, this scenario highlights the complexities involved in high-profile legal matters and the importance of transparent conduct, especially during investigations. It underscores the principle that all individuals, regardless of their position, must maintain ethical standards to uphold public trust.
This tribunal serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to accountability in governance, potentially paving the way for more transparent practices in the future.
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