Former interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry said there was no need to publically reveal that military had bust its 2007 budget by $45 million because the figures came in late.
Chaudhry said it is improper for the National Federation Party (NFP) and others to say that he misled the nation by not revealing that the military had incurred the $45 million over-expenditure.
According to the 2009 National Budget Supplement Estimates released, it reveals that the RFMF spent $126,285,100 in the year 2007 although the military budget was about $81 million.
Chaudhry said this $45 million over-expenditure was granted based on issues such as the alleged call for foreign intervention by former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and the promulgation of the Public Emergency Regulation (PER) which resulted in members of the territorial forces being recalled and a number of army checkpoints set up around the country.
Chaudhry said there is no hiding of the fact that the military bust its budget in 2007 and the $45 million over-expenditure cannot be classified as being unjustified as it was used for national security.
However, National Federation Party (NFP) General Secretary Pramod Rae said FICAC and the Auditor General's Office have to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
Former Prime Minister and SDL Leader Laisenia Qarase is now raising the question whether Chaudhry was aware when the over-expenditure was being incurred.
Qarase also said there was no use to call in the territorial forces erect checkpoints and declare a Public Emergency in 2007 as he said there was no real threat to national security.
Meanwhile, Military spokesperson Major Neumi Leweni said the RFMF needed additional funds in 2007 due to national security.
He also said people should understand this.
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I Did Not Tell, No Figures Were Available
