Opposition MP Jone Usamate has criticized former Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, accusing him of hypocrisy and self-interest in his claims to uphold moral standards. Usamate pointed out that during his time as General Secretary of FijiFirst, Sayed-Khaiyum opposed a $15,000 constituency allowance for MPs, a position the party had defended in Parliament.
Despite his opposition, Sayed-Khaiyum later accepted the allowance, using $5,000 per member to pay off party debts attributed to his management. Usamate asserted that if Sayed-Khaiyum were truly principled, he would have donated the funds to charity instead of using them to settle the party’s financial issues, which he claims were of his own making.
“Sayed-Khaiyum’s actions reflect his true character,” Usamate stated. He highlighted the significant debt that Sayed-Khaiyum left behind when he dissolved FijiFirst, amounting to nearly $700,000, and noted that he did not allocate any of the controversial allowance to charitable causes, which suggests his opposition wasn’t based on genuine principles.
He contrasted the MPs’ modest annual salary of $50,000 with Sayed-Khaiyum’s own hefty salary of $235,000, nearly six times that of his fellow MPs, indicating a lack of fairness in his leadership. Usamate urged Sayed-Khaiyum to demonstrate his commitment to transparency by donating $400,000 of his inflated earnings to pay off the party’s creditors.
Usamate emphasized the crucial role MPs play in supporting their communities, particularly during events like disasters and funerals. He also remarked on the fact that all MPs, regardless of their position, must adhere to the laws and motions passed in Parliament, further criticizing Sayed-Khaiyum for his record of contradictions.
In closing, Usamate maintained that Sayed-Khaiyum’s past actions must not be overlooked and that it is time for him to reassess his integrity before admonishing others about ethics. FijiLive has reached out for a response from Sayed-Khaiyum.
This ongoing discourse highlights the importance of accountability among politicians, reminding citizens to critically evaluate their leaders’ actions against their words. It encourages a broader conversation about ethical governance and fair remuneration for public servants in Fiji. Looking ahead, there is hope for a more transparent political environment where elected officials prioritize the common good over personal gain.
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