Opposition MP Premila Kumar has raised concerns regarding the Government’s decision to redeploy funds from the recently closed 2023-2024 budget. She criticized the Cabinet for approving these fund reallocations in August, despite the financial year having ended in July.
In an interview, Kumar indicated that these actions reflect a concerning lack of foresight and inadequate financial management. She pointed out that the Minister of Finance has yet to provide detailed information regarding the $105.2 million in budget over-expenditures and under-expenditures that were previously redeployed in July, contradicting claims of transparency.
Kumar emphasized the need for Finance Minister Prasad to move past comparisons with the previous administration and to demonstrate the Coalition Government’s commitment to improving the lives of Fijians through responsible financial management and fulfilling promises. She called for the government to offer clear explanations, acknowledge its responsibilities, and ensure public funds are used effectively rather than to mask mismanagement.
Additionally, Kumar characterized the Minister’s remarks on fund redeployment as defensive, suggesting they deflected legitimate concerns without addressing them transparently. She asserted that it is the Opposition’s role to hold the government accountable for its spending practices, promote transparency, and maintain good governance.
Kumar reiterated that her criticisms are not personal attacks but rather focused on accountability and the effective use of public funds for the benefit of all citizens. She expressed frustration with the Minister’s tendency to avoid core issues by drawing comparisons to previous governments, stating that the discussion should center on budget execution rather than merely exceeding overall approved amounts.
Kumar highlighted that under-expenditures are also a significant problem. She pointed to various instances, such as the lack of progress on rural electrification projects despite a $4.1 million allocation, the low spending on essential hospital equipment, and minimal funds utilized for school upgrades. These failures, she noted, raise serious questions about the government’s dedication to delivering on its commitments.
Regarding teacher pay within the Ministry of Education, Kumar insisted that this should have been addressed in the 2024-2025 budget instead of relying on funds from the previous fiscal year. She made similar remarks regarding the Fiji Police Force, reinforcing her concerns about fiscal management.