Mati stands by waiver refusal in health tender trial

Former deputy secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Nemani Mati, yesterday wrapped up his evidence in the ongoing trial involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and former Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma.

The three are facing charges of abuse of office, obstructing justice, and breach of trust linked to alleged decisions made in 2011.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Laisani Tabuakoro questioned Mati on the request for a waiver in a health tender process.

Mati confirmed that the waiver request was declined and that the decision was communicated to Dr Sharma. He said that he was not aware of any official change to that decision.

However, when he was shown documents, Mati identified signatures and handwriting belonging to Bainimarama, including notes stating that the waiver was approved.

Despite this, Mati maintained that the Bainimarama did not contact him to discuss or reverse the earlier refusal.

During cross-examination, defence lawyer Devanesh Sharma challenged Mati’s role in drafting key documents.

He suggested that Mati had largely copied recommendations from another official, and passed them on to Bainimarama without fully understanding them.

Mati admitted he relied on other official’s recommendations but said he understood their general meaning.

Sharma also pointed out inconsistencies in Mati’s letter to Dr Sharma, including a change in heading and added wording that stated the waiver request had been declined.

He argued that this went beyond what was presented to the Prime Minister and may have been misleading.

However, when Ms Tabuakoro questioned Mati to identify handwriting on a document, defence counsel Wylie Clarke raised an objection.

Clarke argued that the questioning was too leading and could influence the witness’s response. The court allowed the questioning to continue after clarification.

The trial will continue on May 11.

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