Former Chairman of Post Fiji Mahendra Patel had always declared his interest as Chairman of Motibhai in every annual return filed by Post Fiji Limited.

This was highlighted by Patel’s defense lawyer Hamendra Nagin while cross examining the Personal Assistant of former Managing Director of Post Fiji Peni Mau.

Annie Sue told the court she cannot recall anything on the annual return filed by Post Fiji as she has not seen this document before.

Nagin raised concern on some disclosures filed by FICAC on the $75,000 paid to Motibhai for the purchase of an exterior clock.

While questioning Annie Sue, he referred to his disclosures however the witness could not answer as this part was missing from the disclosures provided to her.

High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar then questioned FICAC lawyer Nawarathne Marasinghe and told him to explain how the disclosures differed.

Nagin further raised concern that his fellow defense lawyer Devinesh Sharma last week cross examined another witness Adish Naidu on this disclosure and how come changes have been made.

The FICAC lawyer is expected to explain this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Sue told the court that she was not party to any of the Board meetings held between 2003 and 2004 as she was not aware of any discussions held by the board between this time.

Mau’s lawyer Devinesh Sharma asked Sue whether she had knowledge of approved funds and committed funds by the board and she replied she only focused on the administration side.

Sharma then highlighted that in all Board papers of Post Fiji between June 2003 and February 2004 under Summary of Capital expenditure renovation of General Post Office it was mentioned about approved funds of over $1 million and payment made to Motibhai for the purchase of Seiko clock.

Sue also agreed that the then board members may have seen these board papers.

Patel and Mau are both charged with one count each of abuse of office.

It is alleged that Mau approved the purchase of an external Seiko clock for $75,000 from Prouds Fiji without following proper procedures and without the approval of the Post Fiji Board.

Patel is alleged to have allowed the purchase of the Seiko Clock from Prouds, a company owned by him and allegedly failed to disclose his interest and relationship with the company.


Story by: Ronal Deo