Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is advocating for transparency and accountability among Members of Parliament (MPs) who either opposed or abstained from voting on a contentious pay increase for themselves. He believes that these MPs should prove their commitment to ethical conduct by donating any additional funds derived from the raise to charity.
In May 2024, a total of 40 MPs supported the salary hike for the President, Speaker, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, and themselves. Conversely, seven MPs voted against the increase, while five opted to abstain.
In a recent statement, Sayed-Khaiyum challenged the integrity of those who did not support the pay rise, insisting that if they genuinely opposed it, they ought to have already taken action to contribute to charitable organizations. He remarked, “Those MPs who voted against or abstained from this morally and ethically unacceptable pay rise should not benefit from it.” He further suggested that these MPs should establish a trust to pool the money for the benefit of ordinary Fijians.
He stressed the need for full transparency, calling on MPs to publicly disclose details of any donations or funds set aside for charitable purposes. “This is an opportunity for them to prove their sincerity,” he stated, asserting that a lack of action would equate to them being morally comparable to their counterparts who voted in favor of the pay rise.
Sayed-Khaiyum encouraged MPs to embrace political insight and moral leadership by taking immediate steps to support those they claim to represent. “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 asserted, cautioning that otherwise, their opposition would seem like a mere political facade.
In summary, Sayed-Khaiyum’s call highlights an ongoing dialogue about ethical leadership and accountability within governance, emphasizing the importance of translating political positions into tangible support for the community. This discourse may inspire constituents to demand greater transparency and proactive measures from their representatives, fostering a culture of integrity in governance.
Hopeful Commentary: As accountability and integrity are discussed in the political arena, there is potential for positive change. By encouraging MPs to take a strong stance and support the community, it may lead to enhanced trust in political institutions and better support for the daily challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
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