Qarase loses benefits of former PM
Wednesday September 05, 2007

Fiji’s deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase says he has been betrayed by the interim Government after being stripped off all entitlements and benefits which he qualifies for as a former PM.

He said the news came as a shock to him and did not expect to be treated this way.

“This is unfair and illegal on their part and I hope that this matter will not end up in court but I am certain that the matter will be resolved otherwise I have to look at other options.”

Qarase said as a former prime minister he should not be treated differently from other former Presidents, Vice-Presidents and Prime Ministers.

“All entitlements and benefits are contained in a special Act of parliament and it clearly states that all former PM’s and ministers are beneficiaries to this,” he said.

Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office Parmesh Chand confirms there will be no entitlements extended to Qarase or to any of his deposed Cabinet ministers.

These benefits include free provision of security, transport, pension and medical treatment.

All former PM's, including those removed from power, have enjoyed these privileges.

The benefits and entitlements for MP's elected into parliament, Presidents and Prime Ministers as well as members of Cabinet are covered under the Parliamentary Emoluments Commission report.