Opposition MP Premila Kumar has expressed concerns regarding the Government’s decision to shift funds from the 2023-2024 budget after the financial year has already concluded. She questioned why the Cabinet is approving these fund reallocations in August, given that the financial year ended in July.
In comments to FijiLive, Kumar criticized this approach as indicative of inadequate foresight and poor financial management. She also pointed out the Minister of Finance’s failure to clarify the $105.2 million in overspending and underspending that was previously allocated in July, despite the Minister’s claims of transparency.
“It is time for Hon. Prasad to stop placing blame on the previous administration. The Coalition Government needs to show tangible improvements in the lives of Fijians through responsible financial management and by fulfilling its promises. We expect the government to answer our questions clearly, take responsibility, and ensure public funds are utilized for the people’s benefit, rather than to mask inefficiencies and mismanagement,” Kumar stated.
Furthermore, she described the Minister of Finance’s remarks about the reallocation of funds as defensive tactics that fail to address legitimate concerns. “It is the Opposition’s role to ensure that the government maintains stringent control over expenditures, upholds transparency, and practices good governance,” she added.
Kumar emphasized that her criticisms are not personal attacks but rather a call for accountability and effective use of public funds for all Fijians. She rejected the Minister’s recurring attempts to downplay current issues by referencing past administrations as unacceptable.
She clarified that the main concern is not simply exceeding the overall budget approved by Parliament, but rather the failure to effectively use allocated funds, which has direct repercussions for Fijians. Notably, she highlighted that there has been no progress on rural electrification projects, despite a $4.1 million allocation. Additionally, only 39 percent of the $12 million budgeted for vital hospital equipment was utilized, and the Ministry of Education managed to expend only 11 to 20 percent of the funds earmarked for upgrading schools, staff quarters, and boarding facilities. Such failures raise significant concerns about the government’s dedication to fulfilling its commitments.
Kumar also noted that issues surrounding teacher pay in the Ministry of Education should have been adequately addressed in the 2024-2025 budget instead of relying on redeployments from the previous year’s budget, adding that similar concerns exist regarding the Fiji Police Force.