Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya yesterday used his Parliament address to warn that individuals placed in positions of trust must not act outside their authority — saying such behaviour undermines confidence in the electoral system and any government of the day.
Speaking during the debate on the joint report of the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office, Koya said the committee had received clear and honest submissions.
Koya acknowledged ongoing concerns around proposed declaration requirements but shifted his focus to the issue of public comments being made before Cabinet approval — behaviour he said erodes trust in institutions.
“I want to repeat the words Hon. Kamikamica said just a little while ago — comments being made prior to even Cabinet approval. These are the things… when we put people in places of trust, something needs to be done about it when they act outside the authority and the ambit of the authority given to them.”
He expressed disappointment that there had not yet been firm action on those who had overstepped their mandate.
“We haven’t seen too much action with respect to what has transpired,” he said. “It takes away the impetus of the current government — or whichever government is in place.”
Koya stressed that the electoral report itself contained no damaging or hidden findings.
“This is a combined report of the Electoral Commission and the Fijian Elections Office. To be honest, Madam Deputy Speaker, there’s nothing in here that is adverse.”
He noted that more troubling issues had emerged from the work of the Electoral Reform Commission, which he said highlighted why officials must strictly adhere to the authority they are given.
“When people act outside of that authority, it affects the whole system,” he said.
Koya urged MPs on both sides to listen to each other and consider the committee’s recommendations in good faith.
“The committee has come up with some fairly good recommendations. Everybody should listen to it,” he said.
