Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate has criticized former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, accusing him of being a “hypocrite” for his recent statements regarding parliamentary salaries. This exchange emerged after Sayed-Khaiyum suggested that MPs who voted against a parliamentary pay increase should donate the corresponding funds to charity.
In his remarks, Sayed-Khaiyum asserted that if the MPs truly meant to oppose the pay rise, they should have already contributed the money to charitable organizations or established a trust for that purpose. He argued that failing to do so would mean they were no better than those who supported the pay increase.
Usamate countered this claim, pointing out Sayed-Khaiyum’s past actions during his time as FijiFirst general secretary, where he initially opposed a $15,000 constituency allowance but eventually accepted the funds to settle party debts, which Usamate deemed a result of Sayed-Khaiyum’s financial mismanagement. He highlighted that Sayed-Khaiyum’s handling of the FijiFirst party had left it with a debt of nearly $700,000 before it was dissolved, leaving creditors unpaid.
Further, Usamate noted the significant discrepancy between the salary of Sayed-Khaiyum and that of other government and opposition MPs. He emphasized that while government MPs and Opposition backbenchers earn modest salaries of approximately $50,000, Sayed-Khaiyum paid himself an annual salary of $235,000—a stark contrast showcasing unfairness in salary distribution.
Usamate argued that Sayed-Khaiyum’s leadership has been marked by self-interest and a lack of ethics, stating that it is hypocritical for him to demand high ethical standards from others. He stressed the importance of accountability in political leadership, calling for Sayed-Khaiyum to reflect on his own track record before criticizing others.
The political atmosphere in Fiji remains charged, with the call for ethics and accountability resonating among the public. As the nation moves forward, such discussions on governance, ethics, and financial transparency are crucial in building trust and fostering a responsible leadership culture.
This situation points to the broader context of political accountability, where leaders are called to uphold the standards they impose on others, enriching the dialogue about ethical leadership in Fiji.
Leave a comment