A recent town hall meeting hosted by the Fijian Media Association in Ba brought significant attention to the pay raises for Members of Parliament (MPs) that were approved last year. Local resident Paul Seforana voiced his concerns over the timing of the pay hike, which followed the elections when many MPs campaigned against excessive salaries.
In response to Seforana’s inquiries about the decision-making process for the raise, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka clarified that it is Parliament, not Cabinet, that determines MPs’ salaries. He noted that the increase was based on recommendations from the Emoluments Committee, chaired by Government Minister Lynda Tabuya, and came as a restoration of salaries after cuts implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rabuka emphasized that the pay hike was not automatically granted; it underwent considerable debate before being approved. He assured attendees that future reviews of salaries will hinge on prevailing economic conditions and national wage trends. Following a review in May 2024, notable pay adjustments were endorsed, including a rise in the President’s salary from $130,000 to $185,000, and a slight adjustment in the Prime Minister’s salary from $328,750 to $320,000. Ministers will now earn a standardized salary of $200,000, and Assistant Ministers saw their pay increase from $90,000 to $120,000. The Speaker of Parliament’s salary rose from $150,000 to $220,000, while MPs experienced the most significant increase from $50,000 to $95,000—almost a double in base salary.
The discussions also touched on the controversial reappointment of a Minister previously disciplined for misconduct. Prime Minister Rabuka utilized a phrase emphasizing forgiveness, stating, “every sinner has a future and every saint has a past,” thus underlining the need for accountability blended with compassion in governance.
Adding to the conversation around accountability, former Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum criticized the MPs who opposed the pay increases but are still set to benefit from them. He suggested that if these MPs were genuine in their opposition, they should donate their pay raises to charity, enhancing transparency and public trust.
As the dialogue surrounding MPs’ salaries continues, it represents a critical moment for lawmakers to demonstrate integrity and a commitment to their constituents. By taking meaningful actions, such as engaging in charitable giving or advocating for economic reforms that prioritize public welfare, they have the potential to strengthen the relationship between the government and everyday Fijians. Such measures could pave the way for renewed trust and support within the community as the nation navigates its economic landscape.
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