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
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p