The application for Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to travel to Singapore for a medical review will be decided today.

Magistrate Jeremiah Savou made this ruling yesterday after defence lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, submitted its affidavit to court.

The former Attorney-General is charged with one count of abuse of office, and intends to travel to Singapore for a medical review.

For this reason, Magistrate Savou had ruled for a hearing yesterday when defence lawyers provided sureties.

Mr Sharma said everything was well within their schedule to return to the country before Sayed-Khaiyum’s next hearing.

Sayed- Khaiyum is expected to travel to Singapore for three weeks, leaving this evening.

The affidavit was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) where no responses were made.

State representatives, Elizabeth Rice questioned Sayed-Khaiyum’s travel as imperative and essential.

She said Sayed-Khaiyum’s medical travel overseas was questionable as he hadn’t provided any local medical review to suggest his review overseas was the only option.

With his need for a medical review overseas pending from one and a half years ago, Ms Rice questioned the applicant, what took him that long to make that trip.

Mr Sharma said Sayed- Khaiyum already had a medical history of having his heart surgery in Singapore.

He said the matter was not about the credibility of his medical review overseas, but of the fact that he wouldn’t miss his next court hearing.

Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum outside the Suva courthouse on September 12, 2023. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Sayed- Khaiyum had no reason to run from court as he had adequate funds to secure his debt payment which he’s doing every month, Mr Sharma said.

While hearing the matter yesterday Magistrate Savou said he hoped, public interest and safety would be the main highlight of discussion which was not attained by the State.

Ms Rice added it wasn’t the State’s job to retrieve those reviews but the applicant’s.

Sayed- Khaiyum’s bail has been extended.

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