Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has voiced strong criticism regarding Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent Cabinet expansion, which includes the appointment of seven new ministers and assistant ministers. Kumar asserts that this move contradicts the government’s pre-election promises to reduce both costs and the size of the administration. With the Cabinet now comprising a total of 34 members—22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers—this marks one of the largest cabinets in Fiji’s history.
Kumar expressed her discontent, questioning the validity of the government’s previous commitments. “What happened to their promise of reducing government size and cutting unnecessary costs?” she asked. She believes that instead of tackling inefficiencies or holding underperforming ministers responsible, the Prime Minister has created a bloated structure that imposes financial burdens on hardworking Fijians already struggling with high living costs.
She pointed out that the funds allocated to support this expanded Cabinet could have been more effectively utilized to address urgent national issues. Kumar highlighted the needs of families recovering from recent floods, the chronic shortages of medicines in hospitals, the provision of free bus fares for senior citizens, and repairs for the country’s deteriorating infrastructure.
In defense of the Cabinet expansion, Prime Minister Rabuka argued that this move is not an attempt to consolidate power ahead of the 2026 General Election but rather aims to enhance government efficiency and service delivery.
Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has also echoed Kumar’s concerns, labeling the Cabinet expansion “irresponsible” and raising alarms about the financial strain it places on taxpayers. This situation has sparked widespread political discourse surrounding governance and accountability in Fiji, and while the criticism is substantial, it also opens up the possibility for necessary reforms.
The current climate offers a pivotal opportunity for discussions that could lead to better governance. Advocates for reform are hopeful that increased scrutiny will prompt the government to align its actions more closely with the needs and concerns of its citizens, ultimately restoring public trust and improving service delivery.
In summary, while the Cabinet expansion has drawn significant backlash for perceived inefficiencies, it presents a crucial opportunity for the Fijian government to reassess its policies and priorities. By focusing on accountability and the genuine needs of the populace, this situation could lead to a more effective and trustworthy administration.
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