Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability among Members of Parliament (MPs) who either opposed or abstained from a contentious vote concerning their own pay raises. He has urged these MPs to show their commitment to their principles by donating any increased funds to charitable causes.
In May 2024, a total of 40 MPs voted in favor of salary hikes for the President, Speaker, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and fellow MPs. Conversely, seven MPs voted against the pay rise, while five chose to abstain from the decision.
In his recent statement, Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum challenged the integrity of those who were against or abstained from the pay increase. He noted that if they were truly opposed to the salary boost, they should actively contribute to charitable organizations, stating, “Those MPs who voted against or abstained from this morally and ethically unacceptable pay rise should not benefit from it.” He suggested that they should have either donated the additional funds or established a trust aimed at assisting ordinary citizens of Fiji.
Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum further called on these MPs to openly disclose any donations to charity to validate their opposition to the pay rise and urged them to showcase their commitment to the welfare of the Fijian people. He warned that if they fail to take decisive action, they risk being viewed as morally ambiguous, similar to their counterparts who voted in favor of the pay raises.
By taking meaningful action, these MPs would not only demonstrate their authenticity but also display genuine political and moral leadership. Mr. Sayed-Khaiyum’s appeal highlights the call for politicians to prioritize the needs of the public, particularly in challenging economic conditions.
This situation presents an opportunity for MPs to not only reaffirm their commitments to their constituents but also positively engage in community support. A demonstration of charity could potentially enhance their image and restore faith in political leadership in Fiji.
Such actions by the MPs could play a crucial role in fostering a culture of accountability within the government and promote greater public trust in their leaders.
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