Opposition Member of Parliament Mosese Bulitavu has accused former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum of resorting to opportunistic politics in response to the recent parliamentary vote on salary increases for MPs. Bulitavu challenged Sayed-Khaiyum’s statements urging those who voted against salary hikes to donate their extra earnings to charity, arguing that Sayed-Khaiyum himself never made such contributions during his lengthy time in office.
Bulitavu’s criticism extends to Sayed-Khaiyum’s attacks on the G16 bloc, a group of MPs who also opposed the remuneration increase. He questioned whether Sayed-Khaiyum, who had earned significantly higher salaries than MPs during his 16 years of service, ever donated his extra income to charitable causes. Instead of fostering accountability, Bulitavu suggests that Sayed-Khaiyum’s rhetoric is a distraction from his own shortcomings.
In his comments, Bulitavu cited the recent review of the Attorney-General’s office’s annual reports from 2006 to 2023, revealing that Sayed-Khaiyum had failed to keep his annual reports updated. He criticized Sayed-Khaiyum’s past inaction regarding the Parliamentary Pension Act review, emphasizing that he “was sleeping on the job” in his role as AG.
Additionally, Bulitavu brought attention to the Walesi audit findings revealed by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, highlighting significant financial mismanagement that has been reported to FICAC. He pointed out that during Sayed-Khaiyum’s time as a “super Minister,” he was directly responsible for sectors affected by these audits.
The former MP also expressed shock at claims made by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo regarding suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde’s unauthorized salary increments. Temo’s remarks suggest that such transactions took place under Sayed-Khaiyum’s oversight, prompting further criticism of the former AG’s credibility.
This escalating conflict among lawmakers underlines the increasing scrutiny on government financial practices and accountability. As discussions continue, it is hoped that this political discourse can lead to greater transparency and improved governance standards in Fiji.
In summary, Bulitavu’s statements reveal a broader conversation about accountability and ethics in government roles, as he questions the moral standing of the former attorney-general in light of recent controversies. This exchange not only reflects the dynamics within Fijian politics but also emphasizes the ongoing need for responsible leadership and fiscal oversight as the nation moves forward.
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