Former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, has voiced his concerns regarding what he describes as a crisis of confidence in the current government leadership. He argues that members of the Coalition Government appear to prioritize their own interests over those of the public, lacking necessary ethics and sensitivity to the community’s needs.
As the government marks two years in power, Chaudhry points to a troubling failure to tackle significant national issues. He highlights serious concerns regarding governance, noting perceived cronyism within law enforcement and the compromising of constitutional offices, particularly highlighted by the controversial appointment of the FICAC Commissioner, which is currently under investigation by a Commission of Inquiry.
Furthermore, Chaudhry criticizes recent incidents of indiscipline within the Fijian navy, which has led to the damage of the RFNS Puamau, a multi-million dollar patrol boat donated by Australia, during its inaugural voyage. He expresses disappointment that such events do not seem to alarm the government.
The ex-Prime Minister also paints a bleak picture of the state of ordinary citizens’ lives, citing rising living costs, an underfunded healthcare system, housing shortages, poor education outcomes, and insufficient support for agriculture and small businesses as critical challenges that have worsened under the Coalition Government’s leadership.
Despite the serious concerns raised by Chaudhry, it is essential to recognize the potential for change and improvement. Engaging in open dialogue and constructive criticism could pave the way for more effective governance that ultimately serves the needs of the people. There is hope that increased scrutiny and public demand for accountability will encourage positive reforms that benefit all citizens of Fiji.
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