Former Fisheries officer Malakai Tuiloma, who is charged with one count of official corruption and alternative count of extortion, made an application for a stay of these court proceedings on the ground of delay however, it was refused by Justice Jocelyne Scutt.

One of the reasons for a stay application from Tuiloa, was that the delay of almost 10 years is not a reasonable time for bringing this matter to trial.

Justice Scutt in her conclusion revealed that the remedy is not to stay the proceedings, rather it is to commence the trial and to ensure that it proceeds expeditiously, which will better serve the interests of justice for Tuiloa and the community.

Tuiloa pleaded not guilty to the charges early this week, as it is alleged that on the count of corruption he was being charged with performance of duty as expected, and corruptly obtained $3,850 from David Brodie, the manager of Semak Limited between October 1998 and 1999.

Brodie upon cross examination told the court that the Fisheries Department has a habit of delaying payments and has been working with Tuiloa for the last 10 years.

Brodie's company manufactures Tuna Long Line equipment since 1995.