ANALYSIS: Opposition members don’t agree with Government members in Parliament? Think again when it comes to more money in their own pockets.

Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa has been quickly quoted as fully supporting the proposal to substantially increase allowances parliamentarians get. We have to say quoted, because Ro Teimumu is not fond of talking to the Fiji Sun.

Well, that’s Ro Teimumu.

Which leads to an interesting question when it comes to Biman Prasad, the leader of the tiny National Federation Party group in the Opposition that Ro Teimumu leads.

Where will he stand on this, given his regular spotlighting of financial issues, spending and his background as an economist.

Mr Prasad is keeping his cards close to his chest, apparently planning to comment on the matter when his turn comes to address Parliament. His take on this whole thing would be rather interesting.

Will he like Ro Teimumu support the increases?

Will he question them but accept them anyway?

Or will the NFP do what they seem to be best known for at the moment, and “boycott” them?

Public comment so far does not seem to be in favour of the parliamentarians pocketing more through substantial increases in allowances if not an increase in salaries..

In our letters to the editor column today there are examples of a different viewpoint to that expressed by Ro Teimumu.

Wise Muavono, of Lautoka, writes:

The Opposition Leader said the allowance the Members of Parliament are getting now is difficult to work with.

How about the low wages that people are getting and finding it difficult to survive with? Huh?

Narayan Reddy, of Lautoka, writes:

At the moment a MP gets $50K and some allowances.

An average worker only gets $120 a week which is $6240 a year and he/she would be lucky to get any allowance. $50K is not enough according to the Leader of Opposition.

May I ask: If $6240 is enough for an average worker who pays even his/her own bus fare to work and MPs say that they don’t get enough, what about an average worker?

Who can they cry to? Sometimes I wonder why I voted!

Simon Hazelman, of Savusavu, writes in part:

First and foremost, an increase must be justified by productivity – a quality that is obviously lacking – especially from the Opposition.

Isn’t it sad though that the only matter that both sides of the house will say ‘yay’ to is an increase…

Over to you Mr Prasad. How do you stand?

Edited by Maraia Vula

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