Reserve Bank of Fiji Deputy Governor Arif Ali should resign immediately, failing which he should be sacked by Bank’s Board following the declaration of his blatant political bias towards the current Government and its economic policies.
Mr Arif told Fiji Broadcasting Corporation News that more important than a general election was a post-election Government that does not reverse the current economic policies because it would “harm the economy and involves a lot of risk.”
He added that the changes that political parties are talking about were ‘risky.’
Neutrality imperative
Mr Ali has totally compromised the neutrality and independence of the Reserve Bank Board as well as the Institution. He should have remained apolitical and refrained from making political comments. An ordinary civil servant is disallowed from even to be seen at political party meetings or gatherings as it is construed as showing support towards a political party.
Similarly, trade unionists, who are paid from members’ funds, are required to resign their positions if they wish to participate in political activities.
The Political Parties Decree makes it an offence that carries a penalty of F$10,000 fine or five years imprisonment for public officers contravening the Decree.
The Reserve Bank is an Independent State Institution. Unfortunately, Mr Ali has given it a semblance of a political wing of Government and the Fiji First Party. His office is more important and thoroughly independent of any interference, politicisation or political involvement.
Arif Ali
Intimidating statement
His comment, which is a campaign statement is also intimidating voters. He was basically saying that only the re-election of the current Government will ensure political and economic stability. This is preposterous.
What are the risks that Ali fears that any other Government, apart from the current one will generate? Voters will determine the rejection of policies of political parties, not the likes of people like Mr Ali.
The National Federation Party once again calls upon officers in all independent state institutions to remain apolitical at all times.
Kamal Iyer is General Secretary of the National Federation Party in Fiji.
