Former Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has expressed his views regarding Members of Parliament (MPs) who opposed or abstained from voting on their own pay raise and benefits. In a recent social media post, he suggested that these MPs should not benefit from the salary increase that was approved by the majority.
Sayed-Khaiyum argued that if these MPs were sincere in their opposition or decision to abstain, they should have already donated their pay increase or undertaken initiatives to support charitable organizations benefiting ordinary Fijians. He stated, “We would have expected these MPs to take action by now,” emphasizing the importance of transparency by urging them to publicly disclose any donations or trust funds set up for charitable purposes.
Moreover, he believes that such actions would not only validate their stance against the pay increase but also highlight the greed of those who supported it. Sayed-Khaiyum pointed out that failing to act on their opposition would put them in a position comparable to those who voted for the increase, especially at a time when many Fijians are facing significant economic challenges.
In May, 40 MPs supported the salary changes while seven voted against, and five abstained, marking a considerable division among the representatives on this issue.
In summary, Sayed-Khaiyum is calling for accountability and sincerity among MPs regarding their opposition to the pay increase, suggesting that genuine efforts towards philanthropy could restore trust with their constituents.
This situation offers a hopeful outlook on political accountability. If MPs take Sayed-Khaiyum’s advice to heart, it could lead to positive actions that benefit the community and help bridge the gap between lawmakers and the everyday lives of Fijians, fostering a spirit of solidarity and support in challenging times.
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