Opposition MP Jone Usamate has criticized former Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, accusing him of hypocrisy and self-interest in his recent moral proclamations. In a statement to FijiLive, Usamate pointed out that during Sayed-Khaiyum’s time as General Secretary of FijiFirst, he vehemently opposed the $15,000 constituency allowance for MPs, a position the party openly supported in Parliament.

Usamate highlighted that despite his opposition, Sayed-Khaiyum later accepted the allowance and utilized part of it—$5,000 per member—to pay off party debts stemming from his alleged poor financial management. He questioned Sayed-Khaiyum’s commitment to his principles, suggesting that if he truly believed in ethical leadership, he would have redirected those funds to charitable causes instead of addressing liabilities incurred by his own actions.

“Sayed-Khaiyum’s actions speak louder than his words,” Usamate declared, stressing that the former minister’s acceptance of the controversial allowance demonstrated a departure from the values he professed. He further noted that Sayed-Khaiyum left FijiFirst with significant debts nearing $700,000 and dissolved the party without settling its obligations, which paints a troubling picture of his ethics.

Usamate also addressed Sayed-Khaiyum’s recent calls for ethical behavior among MPs, arguing that the former minister’s record is filled with contradictions. He reminded Fijians of the crucial role that MPs play in their communities, especially during personal and national crises, and emphasized how challenging it is for them to contribute given their modest salaries of $50,000 compared to Sayed-Khaiyum’s annual salary of $235,000.

The considerable pay disparity, Usamate claims, underscores a leadership style focused on self-enrichment rather than fairness. He challenged Sayed-Khaiyum to either donate his earnings or use them to pay off FijiFirst’s creditors.

Usamate concluded by asserting that Sayed-Khaiyum’s history of hypocrisy should not be overlooked, urging him to reflect on his actions before offering moral guidance to others. FijiLive has attempted to reach Sayed-Khaiyum for his perspective on these allegations.

This ongoing political discourse highlights the importance of accountability in leadership and serves as a reminder for those in power to practice the ethics they preach. The discussions surrounding fair compensation for public servants and the responsibilities of elected officials in serving their communities are vital for fostering trust in public institutions.

In summary, Usamate’s comments shed light on the issues of ethical conduct and accountability in politics, encouraging ongoing dialogue around these critical topics.