Former Fijian Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum says the top executives of the FijiFirst Party have resigned.
Former Prime Minister and FijiFirst Leader Voreqe Bainimarama is amongst those who have resigned from the party.
Sayed Khaiyum claimed that following the voting on the Emoluments Committee Report by the 16 Members of FijiFirst there have been a lot of incidences.
He claimed the FijiFirst office, Faiyaz Koya’s house, his house and law firm were searched by Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Sayed-Khaiyum said the now former party leader was questioned as to when and how he signed the letter which was sent to Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
He said there are prisoners who are incarcerated who sign documents when they come to court -questioning the difference between Bainimarama and other ordinary prisoners signing a letter.
“We now have a situation where we have 17 people who voted for a pay rise when the rest of Fiji is suffering. Ordinary people, these police officers, prison wardens, ordinary Fijians who work in factories are not getting a pay rise. But these 17 people who voted for a pay rise compromised the principle of Fiji First. If you read the constitution of Fiji First, it talks about ensuring there’s equality, economic equality, some form of parity that takes cognisance of the working-class people of this country.”
Sayed-Khaiyum said it is quite sad that a party that was built on those principles and values, equality and justice and fairness has been compromised by the 16 individuals who voted in favour of the report.
He said they did not make any comments previously as they believed there was an adjudication process.
“When a party writes a letter under section 63 those members lose or the seats become vacant, should they within seven days, seek to have the matter heard, or challenge the validity of the vacancy and they go to a court of disputed returns within seven days. The moment they do that, then they become suspended. The Speaker did not issue any such letter about the vacancy of the seats nor have they to date as far as we know nor have they filed any petition in the court of disputed returns.”
He also questioned the justification of a pay rise in this economic climate which has led to the resignation of certain party members.
It was confirmed last week the 17 FijiFirst Members of Parliament who were terminated by the party last week, will remain MPs until further notice.
It was also confirmed the party has received a letter from Speaker of Parliament Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, stating he will not take any action as he is waiting for legal advice from Solicitor General, Ropate Green.
The MPs are Mosese Bulitavu, Sanjay Kirpal, Semi Koroilavesau, Shalen Kumar, Virendra Lal, Ioane Naivalurua, Sachida Nand, Vijay Nath, Viliame Naupoto, Ratu Josaia Niudamu, Penioni Ravunawa, Taito Rokomatu, Inia Seruiratu, Alipate Tuicolo, Naisa Tuinaceva and Jone Usamate.
Also terminated was Alvick Maharaj who was part of the Emoluments Committee.
FBC News has sent questions to the Registrar of Political Parties and FICAC.
