The public outcry over the proposed salary and allowance increases for the nation’s MPs is intense – uniting a coalition of the National Federation Party, the Labour Party, the Unity Party, the Fiji Council of Social Services and Dialogue Fiji in a chorus of angry condemnation.
Yet in terms of the country’s economic stability, there’s one voice in this debate that is extremely dangerous for the national interest – that of Felix Anthony, the old warhorse of the union movement who was empowered more than most by the Coalition’s victory 17 months ago.
Incredibly, Felix Anthony has welcomed the recommendations of the parliament’s Special Emoluments Committee to give MPs massive pay rises and all sorts of other benefits. Yep, welcomed the notion that the pigs at the parliamentary trough should get more of everything. But the really dangerous part is that he says those benefits should flow to everyone else in the community.
This is a the start of a nightmare scenario that will destroy the Fijian economy – the prospect of a wages explosion that will send inflation sky high and turn Fiji into the Argentina of the South Seas. And as if to underline the point, Felix Anthony is leading the push by security guards at Nadi Airport for more money after securing a 21 per cent rise for the workers at Fiji Water. This raises the prospect of industrial action at the jugular of the economy – the arrival point of the foreign visitors on whom Fiji’s prosperity almost totally depends.
If the airport security guards go ahead with their threat to strike, no foreign airline will land at Nadi and no Fiji Airways plane will be accepted at foreign airports. Why? Because they will not have met the internationally agreed security protocols relating to the screening of passengers and luggage.
We are already in very big trouble as a nation and had a right to expect that our politicians would set an example of restraint, not lead us over a cliff, which is what the Emoluments Committee Chairperson, Lynda Tabuya, her toy boy, Aseri Radrodro, and the other Committee members – Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Mosese Bulitavu and Alvick Maharaj – have done with their disgraceful recommendations.
This is the Prime Minister’s big test. He must join his Coalition partner, Biman Prasad, in rejecting the Committee’s findings. He must lead and the nation’s MPs must lead by heading off a wages explosion that as sure as night follows day, will destroy the economy and destroy the government.
It is astonishing that Lynda Tabuya – a multi-millionaire who racked up a reported F$113-million/US$50-million in unpaid debts from her family’s failed business in the United States ( see below) – should demand the same salary as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection that Biman Prasad receives as Finance Minister for presiding over the entire economy. Leaving aside the fact that she shouldn’t be in the cabinet at all after her antics in Room 233, she is totally unfit for public office to have put her name to a report that amounts to launching a torpedo at the fragile ship of state at the present time. And the same goes for the other miserable members of this committee.
Grubsheet’s resident economics commentator – someone with significant experience in the region at an official level and whose insider status means having to stay anonymous – has provided us with the following analysis of what these recommendations mean. As he concludes, they are a trigger for every other Fijian to say: What about me?
First, we had Fiji Water at 21%, then USP at 30%, the unions call for a rise in the basic wage by 33% ($4 – $6 an hour) and now the Parliamentarians move to double the base salary from $50,000 to $100,000, increase ministerial salaries, increase allowances, travel and new additional benefits all while the Minister for Finance preaches economic restraint. At the same time the inflation rate, according to the Reserve Bank of Fiji, has risen to 7.1% in April.
The recommendations of the Emoluments Select Committee of Parliament (made up of 3 of the 4 parties, no NFP member) not only include raising the salary of MPs and some Ministers but also allowances, seeking to dispense with members being given allowances based on where they reside and have only a single allowance of $500 per sitting day no matter where they reside.
So those who reside in Suva and surrounding areas will get $500 per sitting day, live in their residence, sleep and eat meals there. So the PM, living in the PM’s residence, gets another $500 a day to attend Parliament. But those coming from other areas or islands will be using the same allowance for accommodation and meals to attend Parliament. Seems they are creating a two-tier system. Those close enough get essentially a further pay rise via the allowance while the others don’t.
The doubling of the base salary will add $1.95 Million to the cost of Parliament. Plus, there are increases in Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Leader of the Opposition and Speaker salaries which add a further $685K. The Parliament sits for around 40 days per year and the allowance will add $1.1 Million. There are of course Parliamentary committees, who sit. There are 11 Committees, 5 Select and 6 Standing, with membership being 9, 6, or 5 members. If it assumed that each committee sat for a day a month, with all members in attendance the allowance bill would be $372,000.
On top of the salary & allowances there is increases in travel allowances, classes of air travel and provision of residences for the Speaker and Leader of the Opposition plus a proposal that additional benefits such as duty and tax free vehicle allowances being proposed for all MPs together with an appropriate health and medical allowance (whatever that means).
The cost of Government is therefore set to increase substantially again. The estimated operating cost of Government for 2023-24 was $436.122 Million higher than for 2022-23. Commentators at the time said this was not a wise move and would impact on economic recovery. Right now the Fijian public have had austerity measures and fiscal consolidation policies imposed. But not it seems for Government.
The potential for a wage explosion is now ominous and the proposed increases will trigger it with no doubt the cry of other Fijians – What about Me?
Were there to be a wage explosion, it would jeopardise the economy and its largest income earner – tourism – which is very price sensitive. With the rises already granted or being asked for that seems a real possibility.
Wage rises have to be paid for, together with FNPF and in the case of MPs it will be their employer the Fijian people who have to foot the bill. It will be interesting to watch how the Government justify this, particularly given the mantra of the Minister for Finance and his party.
A word that derives from the rush of the swine in the Bible. Matthew 8:28-34.
Lynda Tabuya/ Semaan’s legacy in the US. Now saying “Go Fig” to the Fijian people.
Felix be like: “Yay !!! More money for them, means more money for me”
GD, I bet the Professor will come out and tell the people that the economy is doing just fine.
How on earth do they justify the proposal when they’ve mismanaged the economy. And then their pre election promises of austerity measures and spending cuts.
They’re all in it for themselves only.
There is an old saying, “pay peanuts, get monkeys”, in this Fiji situation however the opposite applies, “get monkeys, pay them peanuts”.
My view is that salaries and wages should follow productivity indicators in business as well as a country’s economy. Inflationary pressures already exist. Leading by example like Mr Grubs points out will set off the wild fire of “we also deserve more”. Fiji is only excelling in tourism and remittances. The rest of the economy is highly unproductive. Indications of poor strategy, poor management, lack of skills, and unproductive resources including people has led to this. The focus needs to be on improving those factors.
Get the economy humming in a few more categories, salaries and wages can follow. Those parliamentarians are part of the unproductive bunch. If they are not happy with the salaries and wages and think their skills are worth more they can apply for other jobs. There is always the next person in line to take up their seat in the parliament.
I trust good sense will prevail to oppose this highly emotional self indulgent behaviour. Let’s see if leaders have the will power to resist self harm.
Agree with you
Thank you for the report, especially crunching the numbers for increase in costs at the Parliament…. Staggering. If the PM goes ahead with this, it would another suicidal attempt by the 3 legged government.
As for the wage increases, I do support it. Simply because of the very high cost of living in Fiji.
I would like to see the minimum wage to go up by about 50 cents per day every 6 months for next 2 years.
$500 per day for the parliamentarians, irrespective of where their home is will be a disaster. This stupidity must stop!!! asap.
Will this madness change the voting results come 2026. Fijian have a lot to consider at the 2026 polls. This bunch needs to go. Self serving dimwits. Everyone is stretching their dollars. why should they deserve a pay rise when the tax payers are asked to pay more in tax and carry the brunt while these people get to live luxurious lives. I hope that this recommendation does get parliamentary approval. It must be defeated. If they complain about their current pay then they should resign and look for a better paying job outside of parliament. Come on, Serve the interest of the nation!!
Fiji’s current external debt is above FD$5000 per person and growing at an embarassing 30% per year. This is money Fiji already owes other countries. MPs call for pay rises are brainless, greedy, illogical, ludicrous and insane.
As a Fiji tax payer my problem with this is I wouldn’t mind if the government was making good financial decisions. But it is not.
Sadly they have created a two tier system where billionaires have tax holidays and the rest of us have to pay tax. Then please spare a prayer for Vani she was a useful idiot to put VAT up and now is complaining that the extra money is being used to put up Govt salaries. Hopefully she won’t be fooled again as that would be shame on her. I believe she meant well but was well and truly duped.
Maybe Grants Waterhouse should start taking bets on whether NFP will maintain its position! The record so far shows Biman Prasad’s position as DPM and MOF is far more important for him than any principles or concern for the nation. Remember his role in the Pal/USP crisis, enthusiastic support for Radroradro and alleged interference in FNU Council matters, getting his cronies appointed to positions such as High Commissioners, CEOs, on various committees and taskforces etc etc. The man will suck up to Rabuka come what may in order to retain his position and power. This is a useful negotiating strategy for him and of course provides a positive perception to the dwindling public profile of NFP.
Agree with Chand’s sentiments. What shocks us is the karma of NFP leadership – in partnering in sanctioning moral, economic decay for our people and our beloved nation. By the time they realise the damage they have caused it’ll be too late. There is little hope now with any epiphany!
The following parable is of essence – it illustrates how conscience can lead to self-awareness and change, preventing individuals or groups from inadvertently contributing to their own downfall, much like an axe with a wooden handle made from the forest, learning to protect and sustain the forest from which it came. I hope this accentuates the message derived from the recent visit to Ayodhya of our DPM-NFP to seeking blessing from Shri Ram Lalla. Illuminating!
In a vast and ancient forest, there grew a mighty tree whose wood was prized for its strength and durability. The tree stood tall among its brethren, providing shelter and sustenance to countless creatures.
One day, a woodsman entered the forest, seeking the finest wood for his tools. He found the mighty tree and, with great effort, hewed a piece from its trunk. From this wood, he crafted the handle of his axe. The handle was strong, sturdy, and felt as if it belonged in his hand.
With his new axe, the woodsman returned to the forest, swinging it with skill and precision. Trees that had stood for centuries fell before him. The forest, once vibrant and full of life, began to thin and wither. The creatures that depended on the forest for their homes and food fled, and the harmony of the ecosystem was shattered.
As the mighty tree watched the destruction wrought by the axe with its own wood, it lamented, “How tragic it is that my own flesh and blood has become the instrument of our downfall.”
In time, the forest grew sparse, and the once-thriving community of trees was reduced to stumps and saplings struggling to survive. The woodsman, too, found less and less to sustain his livelihood, as the very resource he depended on had been depleted by his own hand.
A perceptive narrative showing how people exploit the vulnerabilities of their own for self-interest without due care for who they are supposed to serve.
Just as the wheels of life keep turning, so too does the wheel of democracy, propelled by the collective efforts and voices of the people, ensuring that living remains a shared journey toward progress and justice – but is this true for current Fiji? Democracy is not ‘senikau mai vanua tani’. Fiji has greatly benefited from it and it will always be ‘work in progress’. Current self-interest causing our decay and potential ruin has to be replaced by collective interest and all our communities given an equal voice and an equal opportunity! Only then our governance structures will function to fairly serve our people.
Hoping our people’s voices are heard!
I stand behind the NFP part’s recommendation – All MPs must think about the struggle of all citizens in Fiji right now.
Please save that money for the poor, the unfortunates, the squatter settlement population and the possible housing solution models for the below poverty citizens.
Well nobody seems to do anything.
Are we going to wait for the whole nation to collapse until we demand better??
I don’t see the people saying No.
I don’t see normal people demanding anything else. This GOVT knows that they have a passive people. Why do you think drinking is not discouraged. They can do anything and nobody will say a thing.
We knew that Tabuya and Rodrodro are bad news and will stop at nothing to self serve but did anyone do anything about it??? NO
Nobody demanded people of integrity. Now they want even more.
Everyone thinking Coalition is better than the last bunch of crooks doesn’t mean allow this lot to do ANYTHING. Avery foolish to have blind faith.
People always say the last GOVT brought these things on. That maybe true but they needed to come in with a plan in with a new trained police force who actually do their jobs, make arrests and don’t drink grog on the clock.. The situation would have been far better by now but they didn’t even think to revamp the police dept. They knew it would be tough but all we have seen are trips. What have they done to ensure rule of law. If you do not ensure that people can go to the police for help then you have a big problem. I can tell you first hand how absolutely inept they are.
All persons employed anywhere (ie Civil Service, Disciplined/UnDisciplined Services, Workers in Private Sector, Cane Cutters (if we have any), Other Labourers, Construction Workers, Drivers PSV, Private Sector should now all demand for higher wages and take Industrial Action. This will perhaps force an early GE. Throw all these MPS out the window. Clean Up Time Then start afresh.
Correct me if I’m wrong but MPs don’t pay income tax do they?
They do.
Fijis politicians are world class and super natural
They are so talented
They can hear smile
God speaks to them
They like brutal sex and weed
They get first class treatment in overseas hospitals
They fly today and pay later
One man becomes minister for everything
And many many more
They surely deserve a big big pay rise
Plus the biggest Vundi from Suva market
The way Fiji is managed in last 20 years is, all they need is not a pay rise but a hot rod
Garam Lorha and Bongo chillies finely chopped
Now the Smiley face will get 200k
He will hear more smiles
Why do you think this government encourages grog drinking instead of everyone getting to work?
Do you see any alcohol or grog rehabs? NO they wouldn’t dare as longs as Kava is big business and alcohol has created many issues but no awareness, no education on the matter. Even when it affects jobs and productivity, home life, children.. strangely you don’t see any efforts to curtail on anyone’s part. Now it’s so out of hand with drugs that drinking is a seemingly small matter.
You can even party hard on govt business and that’s just fine with everyone. You can even take weed out of the country or buy it there when you are on Govt Business.
When people are lazy and sleepy then their govt can rob them blind and nobody will do a thing. They are too fat and lazy and tired from lack of motivation and employment opportunities.
The PM lifts weights and stays fit while the people overindulge even when they don’t really have the means to do so and their children might go without basic essentials. The whole nation needs to show restraint. This is a harsh reality. There is a time to cut back.
Given her track record in USA, why did voters in Fiji vote Lynda into Parliament ?
As Minister for Women, what do women of Fiji think of her using weed and brutal bonking with a married man in Melbourne, while that man’s wife slept a few rooms away ? What has she done to improve the lives of women in Fiji ever since she became a minister?
How many overseas trips has she made as a minister, the costs and benefits to Fiji of her overseas jaunts?
What do Fiji’s taxpayers think of this proposed increase in MP and Ministers Salaries proposed by a committee made up of MPs and chaired by Lynda? Could this work be done by a 2 man committee made up of Narube and Chaudhary ?
We have a dysfunctional government, everyone is a minister or an assistant minister, and a very weak opposition leader. Its left to GD, Victor Lal and Chaudhary to do ( and they’re doing a pretty solid job) the work of opposition and hold this government to account. Things could be far worse if not for this trio regularly exposing government’s misdeeds.
Having scammed people in the USA for a fat-treatment scam, how come the Minister for Bonking and Weed did not try the fat reduction technology on herself? Is that not an obvious question? I mean if it is good for others it must be good for oneself?
Heading in the wrong direction still. Need a whole of government review. I guess that is occurring as the people’s opinions are formed prior to the next election.
The ‘balancing act’ is not happening as it should. The plight of the poorest needs to be at the top of the list and addressed first.
God help Fiji get back on track on day.
I do not understand former PM Mahendra Chaudhary. He has been seen associating with the same snake over the years after the snake outsted him. First in 1987 and again in 2000 (even though he said to have not been directly involved in 2000, but no one knows the truth). Why would a man sit at the same table, hold political rallies with this snake during the rule of Fiji First. He must have been desperate or he had bad judgement – or both. I am sure Chaudhary was equaly exuberant after the election result in Dec 2022. Maybe he thought that the snake has changed as well just like everyone else has been fooled. And now the snake is showing his real colours. He probably has the same judgement as Baimaan who has gone to bed with the snake.
But now, just like everyone one else there is regret at the election of this government.
But what stumps me completely is how seemingly intelligent people can think that a snake from 37 years ago can change anything in Fiji? That I cannot simply understand.
Like someone said, Fijians at all levels are a special kind of stupid. That is what makes Fiji unique.
Well one upside all those getting pay raise up grade from Chicken feet to Lambchop for dinner.
So the self serving group has now obtained parliamentary approval to pay themselves more money….what a shame and slap on the people of this country who will be footing their new salaries. Never voting for any of these parties. Better alternative outside parliament….perhaps Labour
Another itaukei govt to have failed its people.