Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu has accused former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum of resorting to cheap political tactics and diverting attention away from the controversy surrounding parliamentary pay rises voted on in May. In a press statement, Bulitavu challenged Sayed-Khaiyum’s moral high ground, as he suggested that those who did not support the pay increase should donate the additional funds to charity.
Bulitavu pointed out the irony of Sayed-Khaiyum attacking the G16 bloc in Parliament, which also opposed the pay raise but is currently reaping its benefits. He raised questions about whether Sayed-Khaiyum donated any of his higher salary—earned over a 16-year span—during his time in office.
In addition, Bulitavu noted that during a recent parliamentary session, the Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defence presented its review report on the Attorney-General’s annual reports from 2006 to 2023. He critiqued Sayed-Khaiyum for failing to update his reports, while former ministers from the G16 laughed at their own forced submissions during his tenure.
Bulitavu also discussed the recent review of the Presidential Pension Act, which has now aligned the presidential term from five years to three, as stipulated in the 2013 Constitution. He accused Sayed-Khaiyum of negligence for not having achieved this realignment sooner.
Furthermore, he highlighted a revelation by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica regarding audit findings that exposed significant waste of taxpayer dollars under the management of Walesi, a government agency linked to Sayed-Khaiyum’s previously held posts.
Additionally, the acting Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, shocked many during the Tribunal hearings regarding the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde. Temo stated that Pryde received an unauthorized payment of $1,000 monthly in superannuation, which brought further scrutiny to Sayed-Khaiyum’s time as Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
In light of these developments, it’s vital to recognize that the controversies raised may lead to calls for greater transparency and accountability within the government, potentially paving the way for reforms that can enhance public trust.
Overall, this ongoing political dialogue emphasizes the importance of responsible governance and may inspire future leaders to adopt more ethical practices that prioritize the welfare of the public.
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