Former Acting SG testifies that Sayed-Khaiyum called her to amend Deed of Variation

Master of the High Court in Lautoka and former Acting Solicitor General, Preetika Prasad testified in court today that the then Acting Prime Minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had called her to amend the 2nd Deed of Variation.



Prasad is the 6th prosecution witness in the trial in which Sayed-Khaiyum and former Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem face abuse of office charges.



She told the court that she was down with COVID-19 when Sayed-Khaiyum called, so she did not draft the letter for the President.



Prasad says that when she returned to her office, she glanced at the amendments but did not scrutinize them because they were already signed by the two parties.



Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Nancy Tikoisuva asked whether the Independent Committee had suggested any additional benefits for Saneem.

Prasad responded no.



She confirms that she had drafted the first Deed of Variation based on discussions during the June 29th, 2022, Constitutional Offices Commission meeting, which was approved by the members.



She further explained that for any additional benefits, a COC meeting must be held.



During cross-examination by defence counsel, Devanesh Sharma, Prasad agreed that the government was to pay additional taxes according to a clause in the second Deed of Variation.



Meanwhile, former Official Secretary to the President, Kiti Temo told the court that the revised remuneration letter for Saneem did not come with a draft letter.

She explained that the draft usually guides the President in endorsing the letter.



Temo confirmed that Prasad had not drafted the letter, and she then called Prasad to request one.

She says Prasad responded that it was for the President’s information.



Chief Justice Salesi Temo remarked that he was surprised Prasad had not provided assistance.

Sayed-Khaiyum and Saneem are charged with abuse of office and receiving a corrupt benefit, respectively, in 2022.

It is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum between June 30th and July 12th in 2022, whilst being the Acting Prime Minister, signed a Deed of Variation and Addendum between the Government and the then Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem and that the approval for the government to pay the taxes of Mohammed Saneem was done without the proper approval of the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President of Fiji.

It is alleged that between the 1st of June 2022 and the 31st of July 2022, while being employed as the Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem without lawful authority and reasonable excuse, asked for and obtained a benefit for himself, that is the approval and payment/waiver of tax of more than $55,000 that was charged on his back pay as a Supervisor of Elections.