Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has expressed strong disapproval of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent cabinet expansion, which has seen the appointment of seven new ministers and assistant ministers. She argues that this move contradicts Rabuka’s pre-election promises to downsize the government and curtail unnecessary expenditures.
According to Kumar, instead of addressing inefficiencies within the current government, these appointments serve to protect underperforming officials and create a larger bureaucratic structure that burden taxpayers. The cabinet now totals 34 members—comprising 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers—marking one of the largest cabinets in Fiji’s history.
Kumar remarked, “What happened to their promise of reducing government size and cutting unnecessary costs?” She stressed that expanding the government at a time when many Fijians are grappling with high living costs undermines public trust. She also voiced concerns that the funds allocated for this enlarged cabinet could have been better spent on addressing pressing national issues, such as the recovery efforts for families impacted by flooding, the chronic shortage of medicines in hospitals, and infrastructure repairs.
The sentiment echoing Kumar’s criticism has been reinforced by former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who labeled the cabinet expansion as “irresponsible,” emphasizing the financial strain it imposes on struggling taxpayers. Both political figures have underscored the pressing need for accountability within the government.
In response to the backlash, Prime Minister Rabuka has defended the cabinet expansion, claiming it is aimed at improving government efficiency and service delivery, rather than an attempt to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 General Election.
This situation likely opens a dialogue regarding governance and accountability in Fiji. As discussions continue, there is hope that they might prompt the current administration to reassess its strategies and prioritize the needs of Fijians. Advocates for reform are optimistic that this political discourse could lead to substantial changes in governance, strengthening public services and restoring trust in the government.
In summary, while the cabinet expansion has sparked significant criticism for apparent negligence towards public accountability, it also presents a crucial opportunity for necessary reforms, allowing the government to better align itself with the needs and expectations of its citizens.
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