Former Candidate Slams MP Salary Hike as "Political Ploy"

This is internal bait, a political ploy to ensure the passing of the National Budget 2024-2025.

That is the view of a former Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua (SDL) candidate in the 2005 General Election Abdul Afizu Rahiman while referring to the emoluments committee report passed in Parliament for the increase in the salary of Members of Parliament.

The MP emoluments include the President’s salary from $130,000 to $185,000, Assistant Ministers from $90,000 to $120,000, Speaker of Parliament from $150,000 to $220,000, Members of Parliament from $50,000 to $95,000, and all MPs to get $500 per sitting allowance, etc.

“I am not against the Coalition Government, but to be honest I am against this proposed salary increase,” he said.

“This is internal bait, a political ploy. It is a move to pass the budget, that’s all. What has happened to the big talks? They always say ‘we are here for the people.’

“First, they should sort out the minimum wage issue. The people are trying to pick up the pieces to rebuild their lives.

“There are a lot of issues like roading, health, and water services, and these are the daily things affecting people. The prices of things are up and then the party wants to increase this. I don’t see how this goes. Rather they can divert this fund to other sectors. We must really ask these political folks. Who are you fighting for?” Mr Rahiman asked.

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