The Interim Attorney General said the military budget has been increased in 2009 because that is the true figure needed by the RFMF, as in previous years they have always been under-budgeted.
Aiyaz-Sayed-Khaiyum said the salary scales for the military personnel was always under-budgeted and the 2009 National Budget has addressed that issue.
He also said that there is another reason for the $15 million increase which has taken the total military budget to $96.8 million for 2009.
Sayed-Khaiyum said the military's salary bill has further increased as the 5% pay cut restoration has come into effect. He said this is the case for many other ministries.
However, former Prime Minister and SDL Leader Laisenia Qarase said this extra $15 million is just not justifiable.
Qarase said he hopes this budget will be reviewed so that this money can be used elsewhere on infrastructure development and poverty alleviation.
Meanwhile, the military will have to sit down to analyze their budget before they reveal the breakdown of how the money will be utilized.
Military spokesperson Major Neumi Leweni said with the increased military allocation, he cannot specify the details at this stage.
Military Always Under-budgeted
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