Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has urged Members of Parliament (MPs) who opposed or abstained from a recent controversial pay increase to demonstrate their integrity and accountability by donating the additional funds to charity. In May 2024, a total of 40 MPs supported the salary increases for top officials including the President, Speaker, Ministers, and themselves. In contrast, seven MPs voted against the proposal, while five chose to abstain from the vote.
In a statement, Sayed-Khaiyum questioned the sincerity of those who opposed or abstained from the vote, suggesting that if they were genuinely against the pay rise, they should take immediate action by contributing the money to charitable organizations. 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 need for transparency, encouraging MPs to publicly share any donations made or funds set aside for charity.
By taking such actions, Sayed-Khaiyum believes these MPs could prove their commitment to helping the people of Fiji, rather than merely making a political statement. He warned that failing to do so would place them in a morally questionable position similar to those who supported the pay rise.
He concluded by calling for responsible political leadership, stating that MPs have an opportunity to show their genuine concern for ordinary Fijians through their actions, which, if not taken, could render their opposition meaningless.
This call for accountability presents a hopeful perspective for the political landscape in Fiji, suggesting that there is still a chance for leaders to demonstrate true care for their constituents through charitable engagements. Such actions could foster public trust and reinforce the value of integrity in governance.
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