Spend taxpayers’ money on people, not CoI appeal: Opposition MPs
MPs question another legal battle as teachers, infrastructure and public services face funding pressures
Wednesday 19 August 2026 | 17:00
From left: Opposition MPs Alvick Maharaj, Rinesh Sharma and Hem Chand.
Photos: Parliament of Fiji
Taxpayers’ money should be directed towards fixing roads, infrastructure and other urgent needs rather than another legal battle over the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Opposition MPs say.
Their comments come as attention turns to a possible appeal by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirming that taxpayers would fund the appeal if it proceeds.
Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj said taxpayers had already paid for the inquiry and questioned why they should have to fund another appeal.
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“$2 million dollars have gone down the drain for the previous CoI,” Mr Maharaj said.
“Where does the problem lie?” he asked.
Mr Maharaj said Government should instead focus on infrastructure and addressing unpaid salaries.
He pointed to the $100,000 provided to WOW Kids to support children undergoing cancer treatment.
“Why can’t this money be given to organisations such as WOW Kids, which are doing a much better job, rather than trying to win a case that we have lost twice?” he said.
Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma said taxpayers had the right to question how public money was being used.
“Looking at the state of the country, the doctors, the teachers who are leaving, the students who are leaving and dropping out of schools, I think taxpayers’ funds need to go to the people,” he said.
Mr Sharma said there were many issues that needed to be addressed instead of legal cases and the use of political power.
Opposition MP Hem Chand also rejected the use of public funds for another appeal.
“So much taxpayers’ money has already been spent,” Mr Chand said.
Mr Chand said the money could instead be used to address the salaries of more than 300 teachers who, he claimed, were still waiting to be paid.
The Opposition said the Government must now decide where taxpayers’ money was needed most — in another legal battle or in addressing the urgent needs of ordinary Fijians.
With concerns raised over teacher salaries, infrastructure and pressure on public services, Opposition MPs said public funds should be directed towards areas where people need support most.
