Former Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has expressed his opinion regarding the Members of Parliament (MPs) who opposed or abstained from a recent vote concerning salary increases and additional benefits for themselves. He argues that these MPs, who did not support the pay rise, should forfeit any benefits associated with the increase approved by their colleagues.
In a post on social media, Sayed-Khaiyum suggested that if the MPs were genuinely against the pay rise, they should have taken the initiative to donate the money they would have received to charitable organizations or create a trust to support the Fijian community. He emphasized that it is not too late for them to act, indicating that their lack of action thus far raises questions about their true intentions.
He urged these MPs to publicly disclose any financial contributions made to charitable trusts, allowing ordinary Fijians to see their genuine commitment to opposing the pay rise. Sayed-Khaiyum believes that this would not only demonstrate their sincerity but also highlight the morally questionable stance of those who supported the raise amidst the ongoing challenges faced by citizens.
Notably, 40 MPs voted in favor of the salary changes in May, while seven opposed and five abstained from voting. Sayed-Khaiyum’s call for transparency and accountability reflects a broader expectation from the public for their leaders to prioritize the needs of everyday citizens, particularly during difficult times.
This situation serves as a reminder of the essential role that political accountability plays in maintaining public trust. As the Fijian community faces economic difficulties, the actions of its leaders will be scrutinized, with many hopeful that they will take meaningful steps to support their constituents.
Summary: Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, former Attorney-General and Economy Minister, argues that MPs who opposed salary increases should not benefit from those increases. He calls on them to donate the funds to charity to demonstrate their sincerity and accountability to the Fijian people. With 40 MPs voting for the pay rise, the situation highlights the importance of political integrity and responsiveness to the community’s needs.
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