3 Dec 2014

Ousted Fiji PM yet to receive pension

10:37 am on 3 December 2014

The leader of Fiji's National Federation Party, Biman Prasad, says the former prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, has still not getting his prime ministerial pension, despite being promised otherwise.

Mr Qarase was ousted in current Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's military coup of 2006, and a year later, Mr Bainimarama said none of the MPs deposed in the takeover would receive any of their usual benefits.

However, in parliament Dr Prasad claimed that Mr Qarase was sent a letter promising his pension would be restored, but he says this hasn't happened.

Dr Prasad labelled it the continued victimisation of Laisenisa Qarase by the Bainimarama government and others in society.

"This government currently wields absolute power, and has created a culture of civility and sycophancy among civil servants, the media, the professionals and the private sector."

Former Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

Former Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. Photo: AFP