Opposition parliamentarian Jone Usamate says representatives of the 16 FijiFirst Members of Parliament who voted against party directive in relation to the Emoluments Committee report met with Speaker of the House Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu today.

He said the meeting, which also involved the Secretary General of Parliament, was to seek clarification on the processes of Parliament.

Mr Usamate said the meeting came in the wake of a statement posted on the FijiFirst Party Facebook page that the party would take action against the FFP Members of Parliament who allegedly voted against the party directive.

Mr Usamate claimed the Speaker of Parliament stated that all the due processes of the House would be followed, should such a notification be received by his office.

Last week the Special Emoluments Committee report which recommended a hike in the President, Speaker, Ministers, Assistant Ministers and Opposition Members pay.

Under the report, there were recommendations for the President’s salary to be increased from $130,000 to $185,000 (non-taxable), Prime Minister to go up from $263,000 to $320,000, Economy Minister from $188,000 to $200,000, Ministers for Health, Education, Infrastructure and Transport from $160,000 to $200,000, other Ministers from $148,000 to $200,000 and Assistant Ministers from $72,000 to $120,000.

It was also recommended the Speaker of Parliament’s salary be increased from $150,000 to $220,000, Opposition Leader from $96,000 to $200,000, and members of Parliament from $40,000 to $95,000.

The 16 FijiFirst Members who voted in favour of the hike and face disciplinary action as a result of their vote include – Mosese Bulitavu, Sanjay Kirpal, Semi Koroilavesau, Shalen Kumar, Virendra Lal, loane Naivalurua, Sachida Nand, Vijay Nath, Viliame Naupoto, Ratu Josaia Niudamu, Penioni Ravunawa, Taito Rokomatu, Inia Seruiratu, Alipate Tuicolo, Naisa Tuinaceva and Jone Usamate.

FijiFirst Party president Ratu Joji Satakala in a Facebook post 2 days ago said all FijiFirst Members were directed specifically by the Acting General Secretary in a caucus meeting on the morning of Friday May 24 and in writing after lunch on the same day to vote against or abstain from voting on the salary and benefit increase.