The Solomon Islands prime minister has defended the government against criticism over the recent pay increases to members of parliament.
The 11-percent hike has upset many unions which have been considering strike action, with the Council of Trade Union's national secretary, Tony Kagovai, saying the award is wrong.
But Dr Derek Sikua says the criticism is unfair and reflects poorly on journalism.
He says his government made no submission to the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission for pay increases.
Dr Sikua says the last pay increase for MPs was made in 2006, but at the same time public servants have had steady rises totaling to about 29 percent since 2006.
