Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has addressed criticism regarding the increased size of his Cabinet, admitting that the costs associated with adding more Ministers and Assistant Ministers have surpassed the initial estimate of $1 million. This comment was made in response to concerns raised by Opposition MP Jone Usamate, who argued that the expansion has likely made Fiji one of the countries with the highest number of Ministers per capita.
Usamate contended that the government, which had initially promised efficiency, is instead experiencing inefficiencies due to a bloated Cabinet. He also called into question the rationale behind retaining ministers who are not performing up to expectations.
In his defense, Rabuka maintained that he has no intention of removing any ministers from their positions, even in light of the rising costs. This decision appears to reflect a commitment to stability within his administration, despite the ongoing criticisms.
Reflecting on the implications of such a Cabinet size, it may be beneficial for the government to focus on enhancing ministerial effectiveness to reassure the public that their investment is yielding positive results. Maintaining an efficient and capable administration is crucial for building public trust and delivering on governmental promises.
This situation highlights the balancing act faced by governments in managing resources while aiming to meet the diverse needs of their constituents.
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