“Exposed: The Hypocrisy Behind Sayed-Khaiyum’s Moral Stance”

Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has publicly criticized former Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, accusing him of hypocrisy regarding his stance on MPs’ allowances. During an interview, Usamate highlighted Sayed-Khaiyum’s previous opposition to the $15,000 constituency allowance for MPs, a position that FijiFirst, the party Sayed-Khaiyum once led, initially supported in Parliament.

Usamate pointed out that despite his prior condemnation of the allowance, Sayed-Khaiyum nonetheless accepted it, using a portion of the funds to address debts incurred by the party, which Usamate claims stemmed from Sayed-Khaiyum’s poor financial management. Usamate argued that if Sayed-Khaiyum were truly committed to ethical principles, he should have redirected that money toward charitable causes rather than settling liabilities created under his leadership.

He further criticized Sayed-Khaiyum for leaving FijiFirst with significant debts of around $700,000 after dissolving the party, thereby neglecting creditors while simultaneously demanding integrity from others. Usamate emphasized that Fijians are aware of the significant role MPs play in their communities, necessitating their generosity despite the relatively modest salary of $50,000 for MPs, especially when contrasted with Sayed-Khaiyum’s own salary of $235,000—nearly six times that of fellow MPs.

Usamate concluded by stating that Sayed-Khaiyum’s record of self-interest should not be overlooked, urging him to reflect on his actions before advising others on ethics. FijiLive has reached out to Sayed-Khaiyum for a response to these allegations.

This situation underlines the importance of accountability among public officials. It is essential for leaders to not only promote ethical standards but also to embody them in their actions. As the discourse continues, it provides an opportunity for both the opposition and ruling parties to reassess their commitments to ethical governance. Overall, fostering a culture of integrity can lead to a more engaged and trustful citizenry.