Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has criticized the decision to provide Members of Parliament with personal laptops and high-end mobile phones at the expense of taxpayers, especially considering the current challenging state of national finances. In a recent statement, Chaudhry expressed surprise that Parliament is proceeding with the Emoluments Committee’s recommendation to supply each member with these devices.
He questioned the government’s priorities, pointing out that there are more urgent national issues requiring funding. Chaudhry referenced a complaint from the general secretary of the Fiji Teachers’ Union, highlighting that the government has yet to release 50% of the Free Education Grant for Term 2.
Chaudhry emphasized that MPs already have access to computers and staff services at their offices. He also noted that earlier this year, they had awarded themselves significant pay raises and allowances despite public opposition, suggesting they can afford to purchase their own laptops and mobile phones. Furthermore, he highlighted that each political party in Parliament currently receives $325,000 from the national budget annually, questioning why these funds are not being used for personal electronics for party members.
He pointed out that MPs enjoy duty-free imports of vehicles and are among the wealthiest and most privileged officials in the country. The Fiji Labour Party Leader concluded that this latest expense from public funds appears to be a case of self-enrichment at the cost of the taxpayer.