Opposition Member of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu has accused former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum of resorting to political tactics and diversions against dissenting lawmakers who either opposed or abstained from supporting salary increases earlier this year. Bulitavu challenged Sayed-Khaiyum’s calls for those who opposed the pay rise to redirect their funds to charitable organizations, questioning the former minister’s own record of charitable giving during his extensive political career.
Bulitavu pointed out that while members of the G16 bloc in Parliament—who also rejected the remuneration increase—are now benefiting from their positions, Sayed-Khaiyum’s critique of them lacks credibility. He emphasized that Sayed-Khaiyum had earned more than MPs for 16 years, asking whether he had ever donated any of his extra salary to charity or how he invested it.
Additionally, Bulitavu noted that during a recent parliamentary session, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence reviewed the Annual Reports of the Office of the Attorney-General from 2006 to 2023. He expressed concern that Sayed-Khaiyum had not kept his own Annual Reports updated, unlike other ministers who were compelled to present theirs during his tenure.
The MP also highlighted a review of the Presidential Pension Act, which modified the presidential term from five years to three to align with the 2013 Constitution, stating that Sayed-Khaiyum failed to make necessary adjustments when he was in office. Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica discussed the Walesi audit findings, revealing significant financial mismanagement attributed to Walesi during Sayed-Khaiyum’s leadership as super minister responsible for communications.
In a startling revelation, Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo commented on the case of suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde. He indicated that Pryde unlawfully received a monthly superannuation payment of $1,000 without proper authorization from the Attorney-General or validation from the President, further implying that such agreements must be questioned under Sayed-Khaiyum’s oversight.
Overall, Bulitavu’s claims paint a portrait of accountability that he suggests is overdue in Fiji’s political landscape. His persistent scrutiny might be seen as a call for higher standards of governance, advocating transparency and responsible stewardship among public officials.
This situation highlights the importance of ethical leadership and transparency in government. Citizens might feel reassured by the ongoing discussions surrounding accountability, as they underline the potential for positive reforms. Bulitavu’s statements provoke a crucial dialogue about responsibility in public service and the need for robust checks and balances in government spending.
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