The High Court case challenging the validity of the Member of Parliament Entitlements Commission (PEC) Amendment Regulation 2015 has been listed for first hearing on June 5.
The case number 175 of 2015 has been filed by private lawyer Andrew Radclyffe on behalf of claimants Waita Ben Tabusasi, Ruth Liloqula, Hon Derick Manu’ari, Tony Hughes and Reverend Mark Graham.
The counsel of the claimants said, the PEC and Attorney General are to be served with the claim soon after the court fixes a hearing date.
Mr Radclyffe in a press release explained that the claimants believe it is in the interest of all concerned that the validity or otherwise of the Regulation be determined by the court as soon as possible.
He adds the regulation include the MPs controversial tax-free salaries and the introduction of life pension from one term MPs.
The claimants’ Counsel emphasised this case does not deal with the membership of the PEC because that would involve a change to the constitution, a matter for Parliament.
Forum Solomon Islands International Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Afuga supported the High Court case challenging the validity of PEC adding the five claimants have done the right thing for taking the matter to court because those responsible have turned deaf ears to the public outcry.
“We support the case because the court is the only authority to test the validity of this award and can revoke the PER other than PEC.
“The award has caused a public uproar amongst tax-payers of this country,” Mr Afuga said.
He reminded leaders to be cautious of public uproar because a leader who doesn’t listen to its citizen will make a great fall.
He said, FSII support for the issue will continue even if the court challenge is unsuccessful.
By Charles Kadamana
