Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum still in Singapore, we will surrender his passport within 24 hrs when he comes to Fiji - Sharma

Former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is still in Singapore recovering from the surgery he received last month.

His lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, says from the doctor's assessment, Sayed-Khaiyum has gone through internal procedures and he won’t be able to travel until the end of December.

Sharma says once he arrives, they will surrender his client's passport to the court.

Acting Chief Magistrate Waleen George told both counsels that it is better to put a mention date in January.

When the Acting Chief Magistrate questioned Sharma if Sayed-Khaiyum will be in the country in January, he assured the court that Sayed-Khaiyum will be in Fiji.

Assistant DPP Elizabeth Rice says they hardly have access to Sayed-Khaiyum’s medical records or any written materials.

She says she understands that there are some updates to the medical procedures, but Sayed-Khaiyum was supposed to surrender his passport to the court in October.

The case will be called again on the 16th of January, 2024.

Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office.

Sayed-Khaiyum had applied to travel to Singapore for his medical review, which has been delayed since 2022 due to work commitments.

Looking at the charge faced in court - it is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum between June 30th and July 12th last year, while being the Acting Prime Minister, signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and the then Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem.

It is alleged the approval for the government to pay the taxes of Saneem was done without the proper approval of the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.