Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) who opposed or abstained from voting on a contentious salary increase for themselves to exhibit transparency and accountability. He suggests that these MPs should demonstrate their sincerity by donating the additional funds they would receive to charitable organizations.
In May 2024, 40 MPs approved the salary hikes for key positions including the President, Speaker, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and other MPs, while seven voted against it and five chose to abstain.
Sayed-Khaiyum raised concerns about the integrity of those who opposed the raise, arguing that if they genuinely opposed the increase, they should show their commitment through actions, such as donating their increased salaries to worthy causes. He stated, “Those MPs who voted against or abstained from this morally and ethically unacceptable pay rise should not benefit from it.”
He emphasized the importance of public accountability, urging MPs to make public any charitable contributions they decide to make with their additional funds. He asserted that failing to do so would place these MPs in a morally questionable position similar to those who supported the pay increase.
By calling for action, Sayed-Khaiyum is encouraging MPs to take a stand for the welfare of ordinary Fijians. He believes that genuine action, rather than mere words, is required to show their commitment to the public.
In conclusion, he urged the MPs to act swiftly if they want to demonstrate their true alignment with the interests of the people, warning that failing to do so would render their opposition merely a superficial political maneuver.
This call for accountability not only promotes transparency in governance but also offers an opportunity for leaders to align their actions with public sentiment. By taking decisive actions, these MPs could inspire trust and restore faith in political leadership during challenging times for many citizens.
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