Former Prime Minister rebuffs allegations on his involvement in Tax free initiative for Members of Parliament

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The former Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo has rebuffed allegations & speculations made against him on the issue of Tax free exemption for Members of Parliament in Solomon Islands.  In an exclusive interview with Mr. Lilo, he says he is aware of speculations that he was responsible for the initiative of the Tax free entitlement for Members of Parliament during his time as Prime Minister.

Mr. Lilo said, as an Economist, he is well aware of the repercussion this would have on people, especially on the issues of justice and equality.  The former Prime Minister said, had this piece of document been there before him during his time, he would object to it immediately.  He said in his capacity as an Economist, there is no logic as to why these Members of Parliament should be exempted from paying tax.  He said only citizens under the threshold minimum wage standard would be exempted from paying tax, under the income tax act.

Gordon Darcy Lilo (Photo ABC)
However he says there is still hope for Solomon Islanders to sort this matter out in a professional and ambient manner.  Mr. Lilo said that for people to think that the controversial 'tax free' issue came about from his time is very wrong.  He urged the DCC Government and the PEC to sort this issue out with the people of this country.  He said they would know by now and heard that the people had spoken and the right thing for them to do is to do what is right for the people.  Mr. Lilo said the people had spoken.

A high court ruling had declared the decision made by the Parliamentary Entitlements Commission (PEC) on the tax free entitlements for Members of Parliament as null and void.  However the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal had now legally made Members of Parliament in the Solomon Islands free from paying tax.

ENDS////

 Gordon Darcy Lilo on free tax for MP's. mp3 audio


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