MP Bainivalu Hits Back at Ketan Lal over Civil Servants’ Pay Rise Remarks

Government MP Alitia Bainivalu has fired back at Opposition MP Ketan Lal, accusing him of mocking the recent 3% pay rise for civil servants while enjoying the benefits of a taxpayer-funded salary.

In a strongly worded statement, Bainivalu labelled Lal “Mr. Screenshot” and said it was easy for him to ridicule the modest increase from the comfort of an air-conditioned office.

“Unlike him, thousands of hardworking teachers, nurses, police officers, and frontline staff don’t get to sit in air-conditioned offices playing politics all day. They show up. They serve. They earn every cent,” she said.

Bainivalu called Lal’s reaction not only disrespectful but “a slap in the face” to public servants who she said were the backbone of the country.

“If Hon. Lal finds it amusing that ordinary families can finally get some relief from the rise in cost of living, it speaks volumes about how disconnected he is from reality,” she added.

She further challenged Lal to reflect on his own contributions as a Member of Parliament.

“Maybe the next time he wants to ridicule working people’s livelihoods, he should look in the mirror and ask himself what he’s actually done to deserve the salary he collects every fortnight,” Bainivalu said.