THE 17 FijiFirst members who voted in favour of increasing salaries and perks for members of Parliaments have not only compromised the party’s core principles and values but have also put their self-interest first.
This was the statement by former FijiFirst general-secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum after confirming his resignation from the party, as well as that of FijiFirst leader Voreqe Bainimarama and several other party members yesterday.
He said the members, including Bainimarama, handed in their resignations last Friday following the expulsion of the 17 MPs from the party.
“It is quite sad that we have come to this particular state, but I think from one other perspective, the cookie needed to crumble,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“If you read the constitution of FijiFirst, it talks about ensuring there’s equality, economic equality, some form of parity that takes cognizance of the working-class people of this country.
“We have 17 people who voted for a pay raise when the rest of Fiji is suffering.
“Ordinary people, there’s police officers, prison wardens, ordinary Fijians working in factories who are not getting a pay raise.
“How can you justify a pay rise in this economic climate, how can you do that? These 17 people who voted for a pay rise, compromised the principle of FijiFirst.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said it was quite disheartening that the 17 members did not adhere to the values and the principles laid out in the FijiFirst constitution after aligning themselves with Bainimarama, who was a staunch supporter of the party’s constitution.
“I think some of these people have lost their honour in respect of some of them having worked very closely with Bainimarama and I’m quite astounded frankly – that some of them have worked with him for years – by what has happened.
“They obviously have taken self-interest first, that’s what it is.
“Since it has happened, we have not made a comment because we believe that there was an adjudication process that would take place
“The registrar of political parties will now carry on with what she needs to do, let’s hope the law and the Constitution is followed.”
The 17 MPs are Mosese Bulitavu, Sanjay Kirpal, Semi Koroilavesau, Shalen Kumar, Virendra Lal, Ioane Naivalurua, Sachida Nand, Vijay Nath, Viliame Naupoto, Ratu Josaia Niudamu, Penioni Ravunawa, Taito Rokomatu, Inia Seruiratu, Alipate Tuicolo, Naisa Tuinaceva, Jone Usamate and Alvick Maharaj who was part of the Emoluments Committee.
Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu could not be reached for a comment yesterday.
