Former Director of the Fiji Procurement Office, Millie Low says tenders are usually withdrawn when significant changes are made.
However, in the case of the health tender, it was withdrawn due to collusion and interference.
Low made these remarks during cross-examination in the health tender trial of Voreqe Bainimarama, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Dr. Neil Sharma this afternoon, when defence lawyer Wylie Clarke questioned her about the circumstances under which tenders are withdrawn.
She says that there were improper tender practices involved.
When asked by Clarke whether she was aware of the internal investigation into the preferred suppliers, Low said she became aware when the letter was issued.
Former Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr. Salanieta Saketa, informed the Fiji Procurement Office that there was an internal investigation and that both the Prime Minister and the Health Minister were aware of it.
Low also confirmed that a re-tender process would take three to four months, which would be too long for urgent matters.
The trial will continue tomorrow morning.
Bainimarama, Sayed-Khaiyum and Dr Sharma have pleaded not guilty.
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.
