‘Govt to continue’

September 13, 2012
By MAIKA BOLATIKI

Former parliamentarian Sayed A Khaiyum wants the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama-led Government to continue after the 2014 General Election.

In his submission to the Constitution Commission in Suva yesterday Mr Khaiyum said: “I am of the view that provisions should be made in the new constitution for the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama-led Government to continue governing the country for at least another five years effective from 2014, without elections.”

Mr Khaiyum is the father of Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and Fiji Broadcasting Corporation chief executive officer, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

He said the Bainimarama-led Government had done considerably more for Fiji in the last six years then past Governments put together.

“People are happy with the Prime Minister’s effort to create national unity and common and equal citizenry.

A common name.  His focus on socio-economic needs being fulfilled. He and his government are trying to fix up decades of problems, discrimination, corruption and mismanagement.

It cannot be achieved even in six years,” Mr Khaiyum said..

“He needs to continue. This is why the ordinary people want him to continue and are happy. It is not all milk and honey overnight but the way he is going we are bound to get there soon.”

Mr Khaiyum said there was no guarantee that any new government after the proposed 2014 polls would uphold and improve on the standard established by the government of the day.

On land he said all arable land should be acquired by government on long term leases at market rental and subleased to willing and capable bodies or individuals to farm for other development purposes on minimum of 99-year term lease.

Emphasis he said should be given to agricultural growth.

He has also proposed that the Agricultural Landlord and Tenants Act (ALTA) be abolished.