Former Health Permanent Secretary, Dr Salanieta Saketa told the court that former Health Minister, Dr Neil Sharma approached her in her office seeking a waiver of tender for laboratory equipment.
Dr Saketa took the stand in the health tender trial involving Dr Sharma, former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
When questioned by the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakuro about her response, Dr Saketa said she informed Dr Sharma that the tender process had already begun.
She also told him that there was no need for a waiver.
She says Dr Sharma insisted that it was a matter of urgency.
When questioned by Tabuakuro about why preferred suppliers were listed, Dr Saketa said the letter was drafted by the then Deputy Secretary Dr Josefa Koroivueta, and she trusted him.
However, she had no knowledge of the suppliers.
She further says that she later submitted the letter to the Fiji Procurement Office.
Meanwhile, Dr Koroivueta says that following an executive meeting, Dr Sharma advised him via email about the purchase of rural laboratory equipment.
In the email, Dr Sharma also cautioned the executive team about favouritism and bias, noting that there had been a monopoly over laboratory equipment in Fiji for years, which had driven up costs.
Dr Koroivueta says he does not remember any internal investigation into the claim.
The trial will continue today.
Dr Sharma is charged with two counts of abuse of office and two counts of breach of trust by a person employed in the public service.
Bainimarama is charged with one count of abuse of office.
Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of obstructing the course of justice.
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