Parmesh Chand, the Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, expressed concerns during the tribunal hearing for suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Christopher Pryde. Chand stated that it was unusual for Pryde to have a lengthy discussion with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while an investigation was underway against Sayed-Khaiyum. This encounter occurred during the Emperor’s birthday celebrations at the Japanese Embassy on February 28, 2023, where Pryde and Sayed-Khaiyum spoke for more than 30 minutes.
Chand noted that, as a senior public servant, he would avoid such situations due to the potential for misunderstanding and compromised integrity. He emphasized that the DPP should have exercised more caution given the ongoing investigations related to Sayed-Khaiyum. Although Chand witnessed the interaction firsthand, he confirmed that he was not aware of the specifics discussed between them.
The tribunal is currently evaluating allegations of misconduct regarding Pryde, with recommendations for his removal from the DPP position potentially on the table. Additionally, it has come to light that on December 4, 2023, Pryde was receiving a superannuation payment of US$1,000 per month without proper authorization from relevant authorities.
The proceedings have been deferred to a later date, allowing for further examination of the situation.
This case raises significant questions about the ethics surrounding public office and interactions between officials during active investigations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining transparency and adhering to established protocols to uphold public trust.
Overall, the tribunal’s careful scrutiny of this matter could pave the way for strengthened governance and accountability in the future.
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