Opposition MP Premila Kumar has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to expand his Cabinet, which has seen the appointment of seven new ministers and assistant ministers, bringing the total to a historic 34 members, including 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. Kumar argues that this move contradicts the government’s pledges made before the election to reduce both the cost and size of the administration.
Kumar questioned, “What happened to their promise of reducing government size and cutting unnecessary costs?” She expressed her frustration that rather than addressing inefficiencies or holding underperforming ministers accountable, the Prime Minister’s decision has resulted in a “bloated” Cabinet, which imposes additional financial burdens on taxpayers who are already struggling with high living costs. This expansion, she claims, serves as a “bailout” for ineffective leaders.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the reallocation of resources that could have been used for pressing national issues such as disaster recovery efforts for families affected by flooding, addressing chronic shortages of medicines in hospitals, and upgrading the country’s aging infrastructure. Kumar emphasized that funds wasted on the expanded Cabinet could be redirected towards these urgent needs, stating, “Why add unnecessary expenses to taxpayers already struggling with a high cost of living?”
In response to the backlash, Prime Minister Rabuka defended the expansion as a necessary strategy to improve government efficiency and service delivery, asserting that it is not an attempt to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 General Election. However, this explanation has not quelled the criticism, with former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry also labeling the Cabinet expansion as irresponsible.
Despite the significant criticism, the situation represents an opportunity for crucial discussions about governance and accountability in Fiji. There is hope that this increased scrutiny may inspire necessary reforms, pushing the administration to better align its policies with the needs of its citizens and fostering a more effective relationship between the government and the public. By focusing on accountability and genuinely addressing the concerns of the populace, the government may be able to enhance public trust and improve service delivery.
In summary, while the Cabinet expansion has sparked considerable controversy and raised questions about accountability, it also provides a pivotal moment for potential reforms in Fiji’s governance. Engaging in open dialogue with citizens could pave the way for a more responsive and effective administration that prioritizes the true needs of the Fijian people.
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