Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former Attorney-General and Minister of Economy, has voiced his opinion regarding Members of Parliament (MPs) who either opposed or abstained from voting on a pay rise and increased benefits for themselves. He argues that those MPs should not take advantage of the pay increase that was approved by the majority.
In a recent social media statement, Sayed-Khaiyum suggested that if these MPs were truly sincere in their opposition, they should take the initiative to donate their increased earnings to a charitable organization or establish a trust fund for the benefit of ordinary Fijians. He expressed disappointment that these MPs had not already stepped forward to contribute to such causes, implying a level of inconsistency in their stance.
Sayed-Khaiyum called for transparency, urging any MPs who choose to contribute to publicly disclose details about any charitable trusts or donations made. This, he believes, would demonstrate their genuine opposition to the pay rise and expose those who voted in favor as acting out of self-interest amid the challenges faced by the public.
He emphasized that if these MPs fail to take such actions, they risk being seen as morally equivalent to those who supported the pay raise, especially when many Fijians continue to struggle with daily hardships. The vote in May saw 40 MPs in favor of the salary adjustments, with seven opposing and five abstaining.
This development serves as an opportunity for lawmakers to reaffirm their commitment to serving the public by taking meaningful action that directly supports those in need. By donating their pay rise, these MPs could potentially restore faith in public service and create a more equitable society, showcasing their dedication to the well-being of their constituents.
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