Back in 2006, he also said that nobody in the military's interim regime would benefit from the coup and those serving the regime would not be allowed to contest any elections.
Yeah Right!
It didn't stop there. Bainimarama himself had a financial windfall under the guise of holding multiple ministerial portfolios.
Remember Bainimarama proclaimed loud and clear that he was only going to be paid the salary of the Commander of Republic of Fiji Military Forces and not for holding the position of Prime Minister in the regime!
Well, that changed in January 2010. He got the Commander's salary increased from $96,0000 to $230,000 and obtained other benefits, increasing his total salary package to over $316,000 per year.
Apart from other benefits including full medical treatment for him and his family, from January 2010 until the elections in September 2014, Bainimarama’s earnings are as follows:
Extra Duty Allowance: 12.5% of base salary which is $28,750 per annum
25% Gratuity for every 12 months of service: $57,500 per annum
Total salary per annum: $316,250
This was his salary for 2010,2011,2012, 2013 and until 3rd October 2014 when it was increased through the parliamentary remunerations decree to $328,750.
This isn't corruption in Bainimarama and Khaiyum's dictionary.
No wonder Nailatikau, who has always lived off state resources, is back earning a fat salary of $150,000 per year as Speaker, for approving the other fat cat Bainimarama’s salary.
And no wonder his salary was never listed in the Civil Service List published every year containing ranks, names and salaries of all civil servants.
Read the letter for yourself.