Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) who either opposed or abstained from voting on the controversial salary increase for themselves to exhibit their commitment to integrity. He suggests that they should donate the additional funds they would receive from the pay rise to charity as a demonstration of their sincerity.
In May 2024, a significant majority of 40 MPs supported the pay increases for several governmental positions including the President, Speaker, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and MPs themselves. In contrast, seven MPs voted against the increase while five chose to abstain.
Sayed-Khaiyum expressed his doubts about the integrity of those who voiced opposition or abstained, arguing that if they were genuinely opposed to the increase, they should have proactively taken steps to contribute to charitable causes. He stated, “Those MPs who voted against or abstained from this morally and ethically unacceptable pay rise should not benefit from it.”
He further emphasized the need for full transparency by urging MPs to publicly disclose any charitable donations or funds they set aside to aid those in need. “If they genuinely opposed the pay rise, this is an opportunity for them to prove their sincerity,” he stated. He believes that failing to donate would place these MPs in a morally indefensible position, akin to those who supported the pay increase.
Sayed-Khaiyum called upon the MPs to show political acumen and ethical leadership by taking tangible actions reflecting their stated opposition to the pay rise. He concluded with a strong message, emphasizing that without such actions, their opposition would be perceived as an empty political maneuver rather than a sincere commitment to the welfare of ordinary Fiji citizens.
This situation presents an important opportunity for MPs to align their actions with their words, and if they choose to act on their principles, it could foster greater trust and respect from the public, enhancing their political credibility and paving the way for improved governance.
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