Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says former Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka wants to be relevant by saying that the $360 unemployment assistance given by government led to a lot of irresponsible behaviour by the recipients.
This is following an article in the Fiji Times earlier this week where Rabuka had questioned the merit behind the cash assistance.
He had said that giving out cash opened unlimited opportunities for abuse, with some people spending it on liquor instead of priority items for their families.
Rabuka had also said that those people in dire need could have been assisted if government had worked with non-governmental organizations.
Sayed-Khaiyum says people who have received the funds are very appreciative of it and the bulk of them have put it to good use.
He says for Rabuka to come out and say that these people are being irresponsible is stereotyping which is what he is known for.
The Attorney General says he wishes all the recipients see what Rabuka is saying because this goes to show what sort of leadership he will have.
Rabuka is yet to comment.
