Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, leading the Fiji Labour Party, has sharply criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to appoint three new Ministers and three Assistant Ministers, branding it an ‘irresponsible’ maneuver. Chaudhry contends that expanding the Cabinet at a time when Fiji’s economy and public finances are already under significant strain is unjustifiable. He estimates that this move could result in an additional cost of $4 million annually for taxpayers.

Chaudhry pointed out that instead of adding to the Cabinet, Rabuka should have replaced underperforming ministers to improve efficiency. The Labour Party leader believes the Prime Minister’s motivations are centered around consolidating support to safeguard his political standing rather than addressing the pressing issues confronting Fiji.

The former Prime Minister voiced widespread disappointment with the performance of Rabuka’s government, stating that many citizens perceive their leaders as self-serving, out of touch, and indifferent to public needs. He suggested that the newly appointed ministers might just be a temporary measure aimed at providing Rabuka with more room for deeper changes in his Cabinet ahead of upcoming elections.

Chaudhry emphasized that merely increasing the number of ministers will not alleviate the ongoing societal problems plaguing Fiji, such as high living costs, unemployment, corruption, rising crime rates, and deteriorating infrastructure. His critique reflects a broader public discontent, highlighting a necessity for more accountable governance.

While the current political challenges are significant, Chaudhry’s advocacy for responsible governance could resonate with the public and spark discussions that call for meaningful reforms. This potential for dialogue presents an opportunity for the government to genuinely address the citizens’ needs and improve public administration.

In summary, as Fiji navigates these turbulent times, the call for honest governance and accountability may pave the way for progressive change, fostering a more responsive political environment that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens.