The Fiji Military Forces and the Police Force have been allocated enough funds in the 2019/2020 National Budget.

Defence Minister, Inia Seruiratu made this comment in parliament yesterday, when he was questioned on the decrease in emoluments of officers in the force.

Seruiratu says in previous budgets, they had recorded savings from the money allocated for wages and there has been some changes.

“And then promotions as well. We very well understand this. Some are not promoted to the rank but acting in the senior rank and below and so this is for savings purpose and economizing as well.”

Opposition Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka also raised concerns on the retirement age of serving soldiers.

“And whether there has been a survey of the ages of those that have died while in service apart from active service men and their ages.”

Responding to this, Seruiratu adds the retirement age remains at 55 years and any engagement after retirement age still goes through the normal process.