Maharaj calls Pacific Polytech chair’s email “childish”, moves to cut funding but later withdraws motion

Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has criticised the chairperson of Pacific Polytech for sending an email questioning the scrutiny of government funding allocated to the institute and while calling the email “childish” and “inappropriate,” put forward a motion to remove funding for the institute but later withdrew it.

While speaking during the Committee of Supply session in Parliament on the 2025/2026 National Budget, Maharaj says Parliament exists to scrutinise whether funding should be given, increased, or decreased.

He says however, an outsider who is being funded by government, writing to them and claiming there is a breach of privilege because they are scrutinising that funding, does not seem right.

He says he is not sure if it is a private or public institute and the money can be better unitilised for other institutions.

While speaking against the motion, Government MP Lynda Tabuya says Maharaj should reconsider his motion, saying the institution plays a critical role in supporting vulnerable youth, especially iTaukei boys in the Suva-Nausori corridor who have dropped out of school and have nowhere else to turn.

She says Pacific Polytech provides bridging courses leading to certifications and offers scholarships, helping over 40 young people gain skills, avoid idleness, and secure jobs.

Tabuya stresses that political issues or concerns about leadership should not be allowed to harm youth who benefit from these life-changing opportunities, and also highlighted the institution’s plans to expand into rural and maritime areas like Kadavu.

Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad says he does know what communication Maharaj has received but that is not an issue.

He has clarified that the funding for higher education institutions, is not a question of whether they are registered as a private company or something else.

Professor Prasad says the process of higher education funding is through the Fiji Higher Education Commission which approves courses, qualifications, register institutes provisionally and permanently, and they make submissions.

Opposition MP Jone Usamate says he supports increased funding for TVET as it is crucial to focus on producing people who can do jobs, not while majority of the funds that is given to support students in this country goes for people with degrees.

He has highlighted Pacific Polytech’s model of offering micro qualifications with both institutional and on-the-job components, which helps build real skills.

However Usamate raised concerns about the increase in Polytech’s funding while funding for other institutions like University of Fiji and FNU, which also offer TVET, has dropped.

Minister for Environment Mosese Bulitavu also urged Maharaj to withdraw his motion as it addresses youth unemployment.

Opposition MP Semi Koroilavesau says the question raised by Maharaj concerns the accountability and transparency of funds allocated by the government as a grant to Pacific Polytech.

Koroilavesau says Pacific Polytech needs to be transparent and accountable by submitting its accounts to the Public Accounts Committee for scrutiny.

While withdrawing his motion, Maharaj said the main reason behind it was to highlight the importance of accountability and transparency to the institution, and he believes this was well addressed during the discussion.

He also acknowledged that there are students enrolled at Pacific Polytech who need to continue their education to secure a brighter future.