Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu has accused former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum of engaging in low-level political maneuvering and deflecting attention from those who opposed or abstained from voting on pay rises earlier this year. In a statement, Bulitavu challenged Sayed-Khaiyum’s recent calls for those who voted against the pay increase to contribute the difference to charitable organizations, questioning his own track record on charitable giving during his time as a high-earning minister.
Bulitavu pointed out that while Sayed-Khaiyum is criticizing the G16 faction in Parliament, he too benefited from similar remuneration that they rejected. He raised concerns about Sayed-Khaiyum’s previous tenure, suggesting that he had a duty to publicize charitable contributions during his time when he earned significantly more than other MPs.
Additionally, Bulitavu criticized Sayed-Khaiyum for not updating his Annual Reports, contrasting him with two former ministers who complied with their reporting obligations. He also highlighted a legislative change regarding the Presidential Pension Act, advocating alignment with the 2013 Constitution, which he claims Sayed-Khaiyum neglected during his years in office.
Furthermore, Bulitavu referenced Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica’s recent disclosures about the mismanagement of taxpayer funds by Walesi, a company under Sayed-Khaiyum’s purview during his tenure as a “super minister” for communications and justice.
The conversation then shifted to comments made by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo about the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde, raising questions about the legality and authorization of Pryde’s financial dealings under Sayed-Khaiyum’s leadership in the Attorney-General’s office.
In summary, Bulitavu’s allegations spotlight various issues related to accountability, transparency, and financial oversight in government, emphasizing the need for scrutiny of past actions as future policies are shaped.
This situation underscores an important chapter in political discourse in Fiji, reminding citizens of the significance of responsible governance and the impact of political actions on public resources. It serves as a call for accountability amongst leaders while also highlighting the role of opposition voices in a democratic society.
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