26 Apr 2004

Fiji's opposition leader wants full presidential pension for Adi Lady Lala Mara

7:26 am on 26 April 2004

Fiji's opposition leader wants the law changed so that the late former president, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara's pension can be paid to his widow, Adi Lady Lala Mara.

Mick Beddoes has told the Sunday Times that under the current laws, Adi Lady Lala cannot receive his full presidential pension.

Mr Beddoes says he will move a motion in parliament today so that the government can make appropriate changes to the President's Pension Act.

Mr Beddoes say the nation was collectively responsible for the dreadful and unjust way in which Ratu Mara was removed from office during the May 2000 coup.

He says the nation should honour Ratu Mara and a real and tangible way of showing remorse would be to take care of Adi Lady Lala for the rest of her life.