Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed that Members of Parliament do not require new laptops and mobile phones. He stated that the devices provided to him at the start of his term are still functioning effectively.
Rabuka’s remarks followed the publication of a tender for high-end gadgets by the Department of Information Technology and Computing Services, as reported by The Fiji Times. When questioned about the necessity for new devices, he emphasized the importance of assessing actual needs, stating, “The need is my question; whether we really need it.” He added that the current phones are standard and are performing satisfactorily.
In reaction to this situation, Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry criticized the proposal, claiming it would burden taxpayers. Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad addressed these assertions, labeling them as misleading. He clarified that the issue pertains to Parliament’s budget, which operates independently of the executive branch, and underscored the responsibility of the Parliament Secretary-General and Speaker of Parliament in deciding on such provisions.
Ro Filipe Tuisawau, the Leader of Government in Parliament and deputy leader of The People’s Alliance party, confirmed that ministers have not yet received new devices. He mentioned that he continues to use the phone assigned at the beginning of his term, stating, “I am not aware of any communications from the Secretary-General of Parliament on members receiving new laptops and mobile phones.”
Additionally, Judith Kotobalavu, general secretary of the Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA), commented that such actions indicate a troubling disconnection between Parliament and the everyday challenges faced by Fijians. She urged the government to end the culture of entitlement and redirect resources to address pressing issues like poverty and healthcare improvement.
Questions directed to the Parliament secretariat and the Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, did not yield any responses.