Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, the former General Secretary of Fiji First and Attorney General, has publicly challenged members of Parliament (MPs) who either voted against or abstained from supporting the recent pay rise and benefits increase to refrain from accepting those benefits themselves. In a recent social media statement, he suggested that if these MPs were truly opposed to the pay hike, they should consider donating their increased earnings to charitable organizations or pooling their funds together to assist ordinary Fijians.
The MPs identified as having voted against or abstained from the pay rise include Faiyaz Koya, Hem Chand, Premila Kumar, Joseph Nand, Viam Pillay, Rinesh Sharma, Ketan Lal, Prof Biman Prasad, Pio Tikoduadua, Agni Deo Singh, Lenora Qereqeretabua, and Sashi Kiran. Notably, MP Praveen Bala was absent at the time of the vote.
Sayed-Khaiyum emphasized that if these MPs choose to act on his challenge, they should make their charitable contributions transparent by publicly detailing any trusts or donations made. He argued that this would allow the public to recognize their sincerity and distinguish them from those who supported the pay increase. He pointed out that failing to donate would equate them, morally, with those who supported their own pay raises amidst ongoing challenges faced by ordinary Fijians.
This situation highlights the growing concerns about public trust in elected leaders during times of hardship. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and how genuine actions can influence public perception in politics.
In conclusion, Sayed-Khaiyum’s call for accountability could encourage constructive discourse regarding the responsibility of public servants, prompting a more community-focused approach among lawmakers. If these MPs commit to giving back to the community, they could inspire a culture of integrity and empathy within the political landscape.
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