Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement regarding the appointment of three new Ministers and four Assistant Ministers, labeling the reshuffle a “sham.” In her remarks to FijiLive, Kumar accused Rabuka of failing to address inefficiencies among existing ministers and instead expanding the Cabinet without accountability, which she believes could ultimately cost taxpayers.

Kumar contended that the expansion serves as a “bailout” for ineffective leaders rather than reflecting a genuine effort to improve governance. She pointed out that this recent move has resulted in a total of 34 ministers and assistant ministers, making it one of the largest cabinets in Fiji’s history, contrary to Rabuka’s prior commitments to reduce both the size of government and unnecessary spending.

Moreover, she noted, “If the current ministers and assistant ministers were delivering results, why expand the cabinet? The answer is clear: they aren’t.” The Opposition MP’s criticism also emphasized that the newly appointed positions are unbudgeted, thereby diverting resources from critical development projects and straining funds meant for public services. This, she argued, constitutes poor governance and is an insult to struggling taxpayers.

The sentiments expressed by Kumar are shared by other political figures, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who criticized the enlargement of the Cabinet as “irresponsible,” suggesting it introduces additional financial burdens during a time of rising living costs and declining public services.

Despite the serious criticisms, there lies a silver lining in the ongoing discourse surrounding this issue. It presents an opportunity for the government to reassess its strategies and governance model, focus on accountability, and engage more directly with the population’s needs. Advocates for change hold hope that this ongoing dialogue could stimulate necessary reforms, leading to a government that is more responsive and effective in serving the interests of all Fijians.

In summary, the recent cabinet expansion has ignited a significant debate regarding governance in Fiji, underscoring the crucial need for accountability and reform. This challenging situation may encourage a shift towards a more engaged administration, one that genuinely prioritizes the aspirations and needs of its citizens.