Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has initiated legal action against the Fiji Government, claiming that he has not received the correct pension and gratuity payments owed to him. The matter was addressed in the High Court yesterday, where acting Master Liyanage Kashyapa sought directions concerning the case.
Bainimarama’s lawsuit names the Attorney-General as the nominal second defendant. According to his claim, Bainimarama’s annual salary, as outlined in the Parliamentary Remuneration Act, was set at $328,750. He argues that by law, he is entitled to a pension equivalent to 75 percent of his annual salary, which totals $246,562.50. However, he contends that the government improperly calculated his pension based on a temporary salary reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a lower annual pension of $184,921.87.
Additionally, Bainimarama asserts that he opted for a gratuity payment under the law, which would require him to receive 75 percent of his annual pension each year as well as a one-time gratuity payment of 12.5 times the remaining 25 percent of the pension. This totals to a lump sum of $770,507.87, but he claims the government only disbursed $433,296.75, leaving a deficit of $337,211.12 in his gratuity.
His legal team is seeking a declaration entitling him to this remaining gratuity, alongside a fortnightly pension of $7,112.37, plus 13.5 percent annual interest. Conversely, the government and Attorney-General assert that Bainimarama has received his rightful benefits and deny any additional claims he has made.
Following the court session, the acting master directed the involved parties to submit further documentation and scheduled the next hearing for February 5 of the upcoming year.
This legal battle highlights the complexities and disputes that can arise surrounding pension entitlements, especially during challenging economic periods. It serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity and transparency in government financial responsibilities, and hopefully, it will lead to a resolution that affirms the rights of public servants in Fiji.
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