A prominent developer from Nadi has expressed his disillusionment with the Coalition Government. Abbas Ali, who owns Fantasy Island, criticized the integrity of so-called independent institutions and their operations.
Ali referred to the current controversy surrounding the appointment of the new Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner, Barbara Malimali, as absurd. Malimali was under investigation by FICAC, and just a day before her appointment was made public, investigators searched the Electoral Commission office, where she had been the chairperson.
The status of her position at the Electoral Commission remains uncertain, as the Constitutional Offices Commission secretariat has yet to confirm her resignation. Ali, a former civil servant and educator with 26 years of teaching experience, has dedicated over 30 years to developing projects worth more than $90 million at Fantasy Island.
He urged the Government to rectify its internal issues or risk imminent collapse. “There is absolutely no hope,” he stated, claiming that there has been no progress since the election. Ali noted that indifference towards the public’s needs suggests a troubling future for the country.
He emphasized that while ministers face personal challenges, they must begin addressing national issues. Ali called for the Government to prioritize its manifesto and the needs of the people rather than serving its own interests. He warned that diminishing public confidence could lead to government troubles, suggesting that Prime Minister and his Cabinet should remain aware of public sentiment to avoid a fate similar to that of the previous FijiFirst administration.
Ali pointed out that the removal of FijiFirst occurred due to public dissatisfaction and stated, “Voters expected something better from this Government.”
With the Coalition Government now in its second year, Ali remains skeptical about its viability, asserting that “A Coalition Government will never work for Fiji.” When Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad was asked for comments, he replied that citizens have the right to express opinions and criticisms about the Government, emphasizing its commitment to openness and public discourse.