Bainimarama’s Pension Dispute Adjourned

Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama's civil case against the Fiji Government regarding his pension and gratuity payments has been postponed to February 19.

The case was set to proceed before acting Master of the High Court, Liyanage Kashyapa, but was adjourned as the court was not in session.

Bainimarama has sued the Government, naming the Attorney-General as the second defendant.

He claims his annual salary, as per the Parliamentary Remuneration Act, was $328,750, entitling him to an annual pension of 75% of that amount, or $246,562.50.

However, he alleges the Government incorrectly calculated his pension based on a reduced COVID-period salary, resulting in a pension of $184,921.87.

Bainimarama also opted for a gratuity payment, which he claims should have been $770,507.87, but he received only $433,296.75, leaving a shortfall of $337,211.12.

He asserts his fortnightly pension should be $7,112.37.

His lawyers are seeking declarations for the remaining gratuity balance and fortnightly pension, plus 13.5% interest per annum.

The Government and the Attorney-General deny any miscalculation, asserting Bainimarama received his correct entitlements.