The introduction of the death penalty for deliberate drug manufacturing and a 20 percent reduction in MPs’ salaries has been proposed by Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma.
While responding to the President’s speech in Parliament, Sharma says strong action is needed to combat the growing drug problem, linking it to wider social impacts including the rise in HIV cases.
Insert:Rinesh Sharma on drugs 13th March
Sharma stresses those who deliberately manufacture drugs should face the death penalty as a deterrent, noting that such laws exist in countries including China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.
Sharma also proposes the establishment of a 24-hour national surveillance unit involving border and law enforcement agencies to tackle drug networks, and suggested installing surveillance cameras across streets in Fiji over the next 10 years to strengthen monitoring and security.
During his speech, Sharma also calls for greater accountability from Members of Parliament, proposing that MPs take a 20 percent pay cut.
He says Fiji needs better-paid teachers, medical staff, civil servants and border control officers rather than highly paid politicians.
The Opposition MP also raises broader concerns about government finances, saying borrowing is expected to reach about $2.7 billion by the end of the fiscal year, and claimed that more than 80,000 people have left Fiji since 2022 for employment, education and migration opportunities overseas.
He further highlights challenges faced by teachers, health workers and businesses, and called for reforms to address court backlogs, support students dealing with issues related to the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service, and strengthen protections for teachers in schools.
Sharma concludes by urging Parliament to focus on policies that improve safety, economic growth and opportunities for Fijians.
