Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has suffered a setback in his legal battle with the government over alleged discrepancies in his pension and benefits. Bainimarama claimed that his pension and gratuity payments were incorrectly calculated based on a temporarily reduced salary, rather than the statutory salary at the time of his retirement. According to him, his annual pension should have been $246,562.50, but was reduced to $184,921.87, and his gratuity payment was short by $337,211.12.
Justice Daniel Goundar rejected Bainimarama’s argument, highlighting that the reduction in salary and allowances is valid until a new determination by Parliament. Under the Parliamentary Remunerations Act 2014, once varied, such reductions remain effective, and no legal precedent supports the assumption that these reductions are temporary or that previous rates should be automatically reinstated.
The legal dispute brings to light the intricacies of pension legislation and its enforcement, particularly in times of economic shifts. Despite Bainimarama’s contentions and requests for recalculation and additional financial recognition, the court ruled in favor of the government. Bainimarama has been ordered to cover the government’s legal costs amounting to $5,000, payable within 21 days.
This ruling follows a broader context of Bainimarama’s ongoing struggle to reconcile his pension claims with government policies that adjusted official salaries, including those of high-ranking officials, by 20% in March 2022 due to economic pressures. The government has consistently maintained that all payments made to Bainimarama reflect the adjusted salary terms that were in place during his tenure.
This case underscores the complexities and importance of transparent legal and financial processes in governmental fiscal responsibilities. It’s a reminder of the accountability required in public office, and hopefully, it sets a precedent for clearer guidelines and resolutions regarding pension entitlements in Fiji. Bainimarama’s outcome may prompt discussions for future safeguards in public officials’ remuneration protocols, reinforcing trust and clarity in governmental practices.