PM should scrap the proposed increases - Chaudhry

Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry says Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka should scrap the proposed increases to parliamentary pays and perks, limit overseas travel allowances to UNDP rates without any topping up, and the 20 percent cut imposed on parliamentary pays following the COVID crisis should be regularized through amendments to the Parliamentary Remunerations Act.

Chaudhry says it is the only sensible option available to him after the huge public outcry at what is seen as unconscionable greed and self-indulgence of our MPs.

He says Rabuka should stop all this face saving statements now about public consultations and adopting proper procedures.

Chaudhry says the public outrage at the proposed increases is loud and clear, the controversy has also unleashed a shameful bout of infighting and backstabbing among Cabinet ministers which is damaging the coalition’s already fragile unity, and whatever little is left of its credibility among the people.

Chaudhry says Labour reiterates that the increases are unwarranted and unjustified at a time when our ordinary families are struggling to survive faced with low pay and escalating cost of living – even if it is “just $8.1m” as the Prime Minister injudiciously claims.

Chaudhry says it is also unjustified taking account of the MPs mediocre performance as ministers and opposition members.

He says the government has failed so far to restore confidence in Fiji’s future as evidenced by the astonishingly large numbers of our people leaving the country for good.