Suva Magistrate Yogesh Prasad has denied the bail variation application filed by former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

This is in relation to his travel to Singapore for medical treatment.

Magistrate Prasad stated that Sayed-Khaiyum’s surgery is not essential and not necessary.

Sayed-Khaiyum is facing a charge of abuse of office.

It is alleged that Sayed-Khaiyum authorized the government to pay taxes for former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem without requisite approval from the Constitutional Offices Commission and the President.

In court this afternoon, Magistrate Prasad said that according to Chief Surgeon Doctor Josese Turagava, Fiji does have doctors who are qualified and can attend to the applicant’s medical needs.

He further says that, therefore, it is important to note that Sayed-Khaiyum is not deprived of any medical procedure.

He adds that Sayed-Khaiyum is already on bail and is free to move around for his medical treatment without any restrictions.

Magistrate Prasad also states there is no evidence to prompt any evacuation for Sayed-Khaiyum to be treated abroad.

He says that when stating medical emergencies, he meant immediate hospitalization in a Fiji Government hospital with the latest test results to show any grave situation of pain that the applicant is stating.

He further says that the applicant also failed to provide any information that Fiji does not have any medical facilities, equipment, know-how, specialists, or environment to monitor and evaluate Sayed-Khaiyum’s condition locally.

The court also gave no weight to the report by Dr. Singh that states that Sayed-Khaiyum requires medical evaluation and treatment.

Magistrate Prasad says he considers Dr. Turagava’s testimony that Dr. Singh is not a specialist in this area.

He says the court will elaborate on the substantive matter so that the accused gets a timely trial and conclude without unreasonable delay.

The state while objecting to the application had stated that Sayed-Khaiyum is at flight risk and the charges against him are serious.

The case against the former Attorney General will be called again on the 16th of next month.