6 Jul 2016

Fiji minister accused of only giving top jobs to Muslim elite

7:18 am on 6 July 2016

There have been accusations in Fiji's parliament that the Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is only giving top jobs to Muslims.

According to Fiji media reports, the Opposition Whip Ratu Isoa Tikoca read out a list of names of people he said were appointed to key positions including the Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem and Fiji's representative at the UN in Geneva Nazhat Shameem.

Ratu Isoa said animosity was growing among various Fijian groups over the concentration of power among a few elite.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum criticised the opposition for being selective and personalising matters.

He also refuted accusations he controlled the judiciary and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.