Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has urged transparency and accountability from Members of Parliament (MPs) who either opposed or abstained from voting on a contentious pay rise and benefits increase for themselves. He has challenged them to prove their commitment to their principles by donating the additional funds to charity.
In May 2024, 40 MPs supported the salary increases for various officials, including the President, Speaker, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and MPs, while seven voted against and five opted to abstain.
Sayed-Khaiyum expressed concerns regarding the integrity of those who opposed or abstained, stating that if they genuinely opposed the increase, they should have already taken steps to donate their additional earnings to a charitable cause. He remarked, “Those MPs who voted against or abstained from this morally and ethically unacceptable pay rise should not benefit from it.”
He suggested that these MPs should either contribute the money to a worthy charitable organization or establish a trust to assist ordinary Fijians. Sayed-Khaiyum emphasized the need for full transparency, calling for public disclosure of any donations made or set aside for charity by these MPs.
“If they genuinely opposed the pay rise, this is an opportunity for them to prove their sincerity,” he pointed out. He warned that failing to act would place these MPs in a morally questionable light, comparable to those who voted in favor of the pay rise, especially while many Fijians continue to face economic difficulties.
Moreover, he urged the MPs to exhibit political wisdom and moral leadership by acting on their stated opposition. “If these MPs want to show they are truly on the side of ordinary Fijians, they should take immediate action and make it public,” he concluded. If not, their opposition may be perceived merely as a superficial political gesture.
This call for accountability presents an opportunity for politicians to not only convey genuine concern for their constituents but also to engage in meaningful actions that can lead to positive changes in the community.
Summary: Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum demands that MPs who opposed a recent pay rise demonstrate their sincerity by donating their additional earnings to charity, urging them to act transparently and show genuine concern for the hardships faced by Fijians.
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