Sayed-Khaiyum Urges Rabuka to Step In

Former Fiji Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to take decisive action in response to recent global trade disruptions triggered by former U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff increases. Sayed-Khaiyum emphasized the need for the Fijian government to implement strategic economic policies to safeguard the nation's socio-economic stability.

In a detailed statement, Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted the far-reaching implications of Trump's tariff hikes, which he described as a catalyst for a global trade war. He expressed concern over the potential erosion of international trade norms, including the effectiveness of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the enforcement of intellectual property rights.

"The sudden and callous hike has not only brought about a trade war but brought into question the future of international trade rules, conventions, norms, and even treaties," Sayed-Khaiyum stated.

He criticized the current Fijian government's economic policies, asserting that they have stifled consumption and private sector investment while increasing operational expenditure and reducing public infrastructure investment. Sayed-Khaiyum argued that these policies have weakened the country's ability to respond to global economic shocks.

"The regressive, straightjacket, and market-disruptive economic policies implemented by the coalition government... were wrong in the first place," he said.

Sayed-Khaiyum also pointed out the removal or dilution of key social safety net initiatives established under former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's administration. He stressed that these changes have adversely affected low-income and marginalized Fijians, especially during times of economic uncertainty.

Addressing the issue of national debt, Sayed-Khaiyum dismissed criticisms of the previous government's borrowing, labeling such arguments as "incorrect, worn out, and unmeritorious." He contended that the current administration has increased debt levels without significant infrastructure projects or socio-economic assistance programs to show for it.

"There is nothing wrong with debt as long as you can meet the repayments with relative ease and, more importantly, you are borrowing to increase productive capacity," he noted.

Sayed-Khaiyum urged Prime Minister Rabuka to prioritize the nation's economic well-being over political maneuvering. He called for an end to what he described as "avoidable side shows" and emphasized the importance of focusing on policies that would instill confidence among both Fijians and foreign investors.

"Prime Minister Rabuka should really step in and salvage the fast-deteriorating socio-economic situation," Sayed-Khaiyum asserted.