Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability from Members of Parliament (MPs) who either opposed or abstained from voting on the recent pay rise and benefits increase for themselves. He urged these MPs to substantiate their claims of opposition by donating the additional funds to charitable causes.
In May 2024, a total of 40 MPs supported the salary increases for key positions including the President, Speaker, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and MPs. In contrast, seven MPs voted against the increase while five abstained.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum called into question the integrity of those who opposed or abstained from the vote, arguing that if they were genuinely against the pay rise, they would have already acted by donating the additional money to a charity. He asserted, “Those MPs who voted against or abstained from this morally and ethically unacceptable pay rise should not benefit from it.”
He proposed that if these MPs were sincere in their opposition, they should either contribute to a charitable organization or create a trust to support fellow Fijians in need. Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum also stressed the importance of full transparency, encouraging MPs to publicly report any donations made or funds allocated for charitable purposes.
“By doing so, they can demonstrate their genuine concern for the welfare of ordinary Fijians,” he stated. He further noted that failure to take such action would place these MPs in a morally questionable position, equivalent to those who voted in favor of the pay rise, especially as many Fijians face ongoing economic challenges.
He concluded by urging MPs to show political acumen and moral leadership by acting decisively against the pay increase. “If these MPs want to demonstrate their commitment to ordinary Fijians, they should take immediate action and make it public. Otherwise, their opposition will remain a hollow political gesture.”
This appeal highlights an opportunity for political figures to engage more deeply with their communities and focus on social responsibility. It is a reminder of the public’s expectations for leaders to act with integrity and prioritize the welfare of citizens.
Overall, this situation presents a constructive challenge for lawmakers to exhibit leadership by contributing positively to society in meaningful ways.
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