Ro Naulu Mataitini, the chief of REWA, has expressed his belief that the current uproar regarding Fiji’s electricity tariffs has become a glaring example of political hypocrisy. Responding to criticism from former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu concerning a proposed 25 percent increase in electricity prices, Mataitini pointed out that those leading the outcry were the very architects of the system that has led to this crisis.
In a social media post, he emphasized that Sayed-Khaiyum and the opposition are now positioning themselves as defenders of the public and champions of due process. However, he suggests that this is not a principled stance but rather an effort to evade accountability for the foundational issues they contributed to in the past.
Mataitini particularly highlighted the irony in Sayed-Khaiyum’s current stance, insisting that the government should not interfere with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC). He noted that, throughout Sayed-Khaiyum’s previous tenure, there was a systematic erosion of institutional independence, with many appointments and decisions appearing to favor the executive branch’s interests.
He criticized the former attorney-general’s sudden advocacy for independent regulatory practices, suggesting it is less about genuine commitment and more about using the issue as a weapon against the current administration while overlooking his own history of authoritative governance.
At the heart of the tariff discussion lies financial necessity, according to Mataitini. He pointed out that the Electricity Fiji Limited (EFL) is in dire need of revenue, which is exacerbated by the requirement to deliver returns under its ownership structure. The opposition’s focus on condemning the price increase overlooks the fundamental cause rooted in the controversial sale of a 44 percent strategic stake to the Japanese investor Chugoku in 2021.
Mataitini argued that while critics claim the foreign shareholder does not influence tariffs, the reality of accommodating a profit-oriented stakeholder inevitably shifts EFL’s financial objectives. He remarked that the opposition’s praise of the $1.25 billion transaction disregards the underlying conflict between shareholder profit and the public’s ability to pay.
Furthermore, he somewhat agreed with Seruiratu’s description of the recent 21-day consultation pause as ‘political theatre,’ suggesting it was a staged performance scripted by the opposition. This complex situation reflects not only the challenges facing Fiji’s electricity sector but also the intricate dynamics of political accountability and responsibility. As the nation navigates these issues, the focus must remain on finding sustainable solutions that balance profitability with public affordability.
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