15 Oct 2005

Fiji auditor general probes accusations of MPs' false cash claims

8:25 am on 15 October 2005

The former Fiji opposition leader, Mick Beddoes, has called for the expulsion of members of parliament who claim allowances based on false documents.

The Fiji Sun reports that Mr Beddoes' call comes as the auditor general begins an investigation into such claims after a complaint.

Mr Beddoes says MPs who abuse the system should be disciplined because they tarnish the reputations of all members of the Lower and Upper chambers.

Meanwhile, the chair of parliament's Emoluments Committee and former cabinet minister, Taufa Vakatale, says falsification of documents to obtain allowances MPs are not entitled to has been prevalent in the terms of all past governments.

She says MPs found guilty should be taken to task because falsification of documents is a criminal offence.