Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has expressed strong criticism of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to appoint three new Ministers and four Assistant Ministers, calling this reshuffle a “sham.” In her statements to FijiLive, Kumar voiced her disappointment, arguing that rather than addressing the inefficiencies within his existing cabinet, Rabuka has instead opted to expand the government. She perceives this as a protective measure for underperforming officials, at the expense of hardworking Fijians.

This recent cabinet expansion brings the total number of ministers and assistant ministers to 34, making it one of the largest in Fiji’s history, with 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. Kumar highlighted that this action contradicts previous commitments made by Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister to reduce the size of government and cut unnecessary expenditures, especially given the significant economic challenges currently faced by the citizens of Fiji.

Kumar has pointed out that if existing ministers were performing effectively, there would be no justification for such an enlargement. The decision to add new positions not only reflects leadership failure but also has serious financial implications, threatening to drain resources from critical development projects. This move further burdens public services already under strain due to rising living costs, leading to widespread discontent among taxpayers.

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoed Kumar’s sentiments, branding the cabinet enlargement as “irresponsible” and stressing its detrimental impact on taxpayers navigating economic hardships.

Despite the backlash from political figures and the public, there is a flicker of hope that these discussions could inspire significant reforms within the government. The growing calls for accountability and efficient governance may prompt Rabuka’s administration to reassess its priorities, leading towards improved public services and a greater alignment with the needs of ordinary Fijians.

In summary, while the criticism surrounding this cabinet reshuffle is notable, it also creates an opportunity for meaningful change. With proactive dialogue and a commitment to reform, there is potential for the government to enhance its service delivery and rebuild trust with the people, ensuring that the administration is responsive to the genuine concerns of its citizens.