Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his recent decision to expand the Cabinet by appointing six new ministers and assistant ministers, calling the move “irresponsible.” Chaudhry argues that, given Fiji’s precarious economic situation, increasing the size of an already bloated government is unjustified and could add an annual financial burden of $4 million to taxpayers.

Chaudhry expressed concern that Rabuka’s primary motivation behind this cabinet expansion appears to be shoring up his political position rather than effectively addressing the pressing issues facing the nation, such as the high cost of living, unemployment, poverty, rising crime rates, and deteriorating infrastructure. He stated that these superficial changes would not alleviate the chronic problems that citizens are dealing with daily.

Public sentiment, as articulated by Chaudhry, indicates dissatisfaction with the current government’s performance, with many believing it is out of touch with the needs of the people. Instead of adding new ministers, Chaudhry advocates for replacing underperforming officials to foster greater efficiency and accountability within the government.

This criticism is not just personal; it echoes a significant desire among the populace for genuine leadership that prioritizes their welfare. Many citizens share Chaudhry’s views, questioning the government’s ability to respond to their concerns meaningfully. Amid these challenges, there remains a hopeful call for responsible governance that could inspire engaged citizenry and potentially lead to necessary reforms in Fiji’s political landscape.

In summary, the ongoing dialogue around government accountability and performance points to a critical moment in Fiji’s governance, where hopeful discussions for reform can pave the way for a future that prioritizes the needs and voices of its citizens.