A prominent developer from Nadi has expressed his disillusionment with the Coalition Government. Abbas Ali, the owner of Fantasy Island, did not hold back in his criticism of the supposed independence of various institutions and their operations.
Ali referred to the current turmoil surrounding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) as a farce. Malimali was reportedly being investigated by FICAC, and the day prior to her appointment announcement, FICAC agents conducted a search at the Electoral Commission office, where she was serving as chairperson. The status of her role at the Electoral Commission remains uncertain, with the Constitutional Offices Commission secretariat yet to confirm whether she has resigned.
Former civil servant Abbas Ali has devoted over 30 years to developing projects worth more than $90 million at Fantasy Island. He urged the Government to make necessary changes before facing potential collapse, asserting that there is currently no hope for improvement.
Ali pointed out a lack of progress since the election, claiming that the Government is primarily focused on self-preservation. He voiced concerns that the public’s needs remain unaddressed, stating, “If things continue like this, the country has no future.” He highlighted the issues faced by the Ministers but questioned when they would start addressing nationwide problems.
He called for the Government to realign its priorities with their manifesto, stating, “They put themselves first, rather than the people.” Ali warned that a decline in public confidence would spell trouble for the Government. He cautioned the Prime Minister and his Cabinet to remain attuned to the public’s sentiments, suggesting that failure to do so could lead to a fate similar to that of the FijiFirst government.
With the three-party Coalition Government now in its second year, Ali remains skeptical about its longevity, asserting, “A Coalition Government will never work for Fiji.” In response to these criticisms, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad remarked that citizens have the right to voice their opinions about the Government and that they support a culture of open criticism.