Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu has accused former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum of engaging in petty politics to distract from his record. Bulitavu criticized Sayed-Khaiyum for posturing as morally superior while advising legislators who voted against pay increases to donate their salaries to charity. He pointed out that Sayed-Khaiyum, who had a longer tenure and higher earnings than current MPs, never publicly donated his extra salary to charity during his time in office.
Bulitavu stated that Sayed-Khaiyum is targeting the G16 bloc in Parliament, which also opposed salary increases while benefiting from them. Highlighting Sayed-Khaiyum’s lack of accountability, Bulitavu noted that he did not update his annual reports as required, while two former ministers in the G16 group were required to present theirs.
Additionally, Bulitavu mentioned that the recent review of the Presidential Pension Act, which should have been aligned with the 2013 Constitution, highlights Sayed-Khaiyum’s failures during his time in office. He emphasized that Sayed-Khaiyum, who served as a “super Minister” overseeing important portfolios, failed to address issues related to the Walesi management, where significant taxpayer funds were reportedly mismanaged and identified for investigation by FICAC.
Bulitavu also drew attention to astonishing claims made by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo during a Tribunal hearing related to the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde. Temo asserted that Pryde unlawfully accepted $US1000 per month in superannuation without proper authorization, suggesting that such financial decisions occurred during Sayed-Khaiyum’s leadership.
Overall, Bulitavu’s assertions raise concerns about accountability among Fiji’s political leaders and the importance of financial transparency in government actions.
Amidst these criticisms, there is potential for positive change as this scrutiny may lead to increased vigilance and improved governance practices in Fiji’s political landscape, promoting accountability and ethical standards moving forward.
Summary: Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu criticizes former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum for using diversion tactics in response to salary increase votes, questioning his past financial decisions and accountability during his tenure. Bulitavu calls for transparency and better governance practices in light of recent revelations regarding government spending and mismanagement.
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