The former Director of the Fiji Procurement Office, Millie Low has today informed the court that the health tender process was compromised.
Low took the stand as a State witness in the trial of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and former Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma.
Low says the process was compromised because she received a letter from the then Permanent Secretary for Health, Salanieta Saketa, which directed that the tender be awarded to preferred suppliers and also requested a waiver.
She says the request by Dr Saketa was unusual because no supporting documents or schedule were provided.
The former Director says that based on this, she recommended withdrawing the tender, informing bidders that the tender was terminated and advising the Ministry of Health to review the process in order to uphold the integrity of the tender system.
Low highlighted that no senior management of any ministry or department has the authority to overturn the Tender Evaluation Committee’s report.
She adds that the Tender Evaluation Committee’s decision is confidential.
When Assistant DPP Laisani Tabuakuro questioned who approved the waiver, Low says it was approved by Bainimarama.
When Tabuakuro asked what would justify a waiver, Low responded that it would apply in cases of urgent infrastructure development and legal services.
She also confirmed that the tender request was made in 2011 by the Ministry of Health for the procurement of laboratory equipment for rural health centres, and that advertisements were published in local newspapers.
The cross-examination will begin at 2.15pm.
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.
