Chaudhry Fires Back at Rabuka Over 'Ill-Advised' Claim
“It’s a very lame excuse that he was ill-advised. He shouldn’t use this because it is not fair on his advisors either,” Mr Chaudhry said.
Monday 03 June 2024 | 17:03
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka giving his speech during the Ratu Sukuna Day celebration at Albert Park, Suva on May 31, 2024. Photo: DEPTFO News Inset: Mahendra Chaudhry.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s excuse of being ill-advised is a lame excuse, says former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
“He should know the ropes, he has been the PM before,” Mr Chaudhry said.
Mr Chaudhry’s comment follows statements made by Mr Rabuka last week that pointed out another downfall of the Coalition Government.
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Last week Mr Rabuka admitted that he was misinformed and that there was a misunderstanding of the law regarding his comments about public consultation on the Emoluments Committee Report before it was gazetted.
The Parliamentary pay and allowance increase for the President, the Speaker, Leader of Opposition and Members of Parliament were gazetted last Thursday. To that effect, the executive arm of Government will implement as required by the Parliamentary Remunerations Act of 2014.
Mr Rabuka assured that he welcomed public criticism of the report and that the media was free to report.
He further said that the report would go through public consultation, but the surprise erupted when this report was gazetted.
“He has not stated specifically how he was ill-advised; he’s not a stranger to politics right?” Mr Chaudhry said.
“He was PM for seven years from 1992 to 1999 and again now, so he should be well versed with parliamentary procedures and governance issues.
“I don’t think this is acceptance that he was ill-advised. The facts are very clear, the facts are very plain. It is he who has been changing his statements, not once, but three times.”
Mr Chaudhry said Mr Rabuka was also a former Prime Minister and a seasoned politician.
“It’s a very lame excuse that he was ill-advised. He shouldn’t use this because it is not fair on his advisors either,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“In such matter, if it’s a legal issue then he should seek legal advice from the Attorney-General or the SolicitorGeneral.”
Mr Rabuka did not divulge who his advisors were in this matter. His permanent secretary is Pita Wise and the chief legal advisor is Siromi Turaga.
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