Parliament has passed “the most ineffective, biased and dangerous budget” in Fiji’s modern history, says Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube.
The former Reserve Bank of Fiji governor said he was dumbfounded to see Opposition parliamentarians shaking hands with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
“I asked myself, what were they celebrating about?”
Mr Narube said in a statement issued over the weekend.
“Were they celebrating the $2 billion new debt which would leave very little borrowing room in the likely event that the virus is with us for two more years?
“Were they glad that only a small amount of money was allocated to the poor compared to the billions given to the rich?
“Were they celebrating the wastage that was still hidden in the budget?
“Were they happy with the reduction in car prices to make the car dealers richer?
“Were they celebrating the reduction of tax that benefits the rich?
“Were they pleased with the gift of $60 million of our money to rich tourists?
“Were they celebrating the ineffective incentives given to businesses and investors?
“Were they celebrating our financial destruction?”
Mr Narube said he wondered if the passionate speeches by the Opposition “were just for the camera”.
“Perhaps there is a strategy that when the battle is over, we shake hands, have a drink and move to the next sitting.
“Lastly, I wonder what the Minister for Economy and the Prime Minister were thinking when they saw the queue to congratulate them.
“Perhaps something along this line? ‘We made it again partner. Piece of cake’.”
Questions sent to Mr Sayed-Khaiyum about the comments made by Mr Narube remain unanswered.
