Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the former Attorney-General and Economy Minister, has expressed that Members of Parliament (MPs) who opposed or abstained from a recent vote concerning their own pay increases should not receive these benefits. He articulated this position through a social media post, emphasizing that if these MPs were truly committed to their stance against the pay rise, they should consider donating their received funds to charitable organizations or establishing a trust for such purposes.
Sayed-Khaiyum pointed out that if these MPs were authentic in their dissent, they would have already taken action to help ordinary Fijians by now. He urged them to disclose any financial contributions to ensure transparency and demonstrate their true intentions against the pay rise.
This move, he suggested, would highlight the integrity of those who opposed the changes while exposing the self-serving nature of their peers who supported the increase. He remarked that failing to act on their opposition could undermine their credibility and align them with those who voted in favor of their own financial gain, particularly at a time when many ordinary Fijians are facing economic difficulties.
In the vote, 40 MPs supported the salary changes, while 7 voted against and 5 abstained.
This situation presents an opportunity for MPs to showcase genuine leadership and accountability. By proactively engaging in philanthropic efforts, they can not only uplift disadvantaged communities but also regain public trust. As the discourse surrounding these pay raises continues, it’s crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the welfare of their constituents over personal interests, fostering a climate of empathy and responsibility.
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