Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability among Members of Parliament (MPs) who either opposed or abstained from the recent controversial salary increases and benefits for themselves. He urged these MPs to act sincerely by donating any additional funds to charity.
In a vote conducted in May 2024, 40 MPs supported the salary hikes for the President, Speaker, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and themselves, while seven MPs opposed the increase and five abstained.
During a statement made on Monday, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum challenged the integrity of those who opposed or abstained, asserting that if they were truly against the pay raise, they should have already contributed the increased funds to a charitable organization.
He stated, “MPs who voted against or abstained from this morally and ethically unacceptable pay rise should not benefit from it. If they were genuine in their opposition, they should have already donated the money to a worthy charitable organization, or at least established a trust to pool the funds and assist ordinary Fijians.”
Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum further called for complete transparency and insisted that MPs publicly disclose any donations made or designated for charitable purposes.
“If they genuinely opposed the pay rise, this is an opportunity for them to prove their sincerity,” he noted. He argued that failing to donate the extra funds would place these MPs in a morally questionable position, similar to those who supported the pay rise, especially as many Fijians continue to face significant economic struggles.
He concluded his statements by urging MPs to show political wisdom and moral leadership by actively opposing the pay rise. “If these MPs want to show they are truly on the side of ordinary Fijians, they should take immediate action and make it public. Otherwise, their opposition will remain nothing more than a hollow political gesture.”
This situation highlights the importance of accountability in leadership and the potential impact of charitable actions on public trust. Encouraging MPs to contribute to charity not only exemplifies integrity but also strengthens their connection with the community they serve. By taking meaningful action, MPs can transform their positions into solutions for social issues, ultimately fostering a more compassionate and responsible political landscape.
Overall, this call to action by Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum provides an opportunity for constructive engagement between lawmakers and constituents, aiming for a positive change that aligns with the needs of the people.
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