FLP calls for compassion and relief for the poor this Easter

The Fiji Labour Party is calling on the Government to show greater compassion for struggling Fijians during this Easter.

In his Easter message, FLP Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says in a bid to provide relief to the people amid the rising cost of living, Labour had called for a reduction in VAT from 15 percent to 10 percent and for the list of VAT-free consumer items to be extended.

He says instead of receiving the desired outcome, the Prime Minister told the public — as reported in the newspapers — that they must live with the 15 percent VAT.

Chaudhry says the Prime Minister’s response undermines the most fundamental message of Christ’s life — his compassion for the poor.

He added that in response to the FLP’s proposal, the Prime Minister argued that extending the list of VAT-free items would unfairly benefit those who can already afford more.

Chaudhry is calling on the Prime Minister to explain how he and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad could justify gifting a seven-year tax holiday to Fiji Water — a profitable, foreign-owned company — which, according to him, is a classic case of “unfairly benefiting” those who can afford more.

He says the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross stemmed from his stand against injustice and oppression and that the Coalition Government needs to reflect on the basic values of Christianity.

Chaudhry says leaders need to practice humility and show sensitivity to the feelings and needs of the people.