A prominent developer from Nadi has expressed his disillusionment with the Coalition Government. Abbas Ali, the owner of Fantasy Island, voiced strong criticisms regarding the integrity of supposedly independent institutions and their operations.
Ali described the ongoing controversy surrounding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) as absurd. Malimali was reportedly under investigation by FICAC, and just one day before her appointment was officially announced, investigators had conducted a search at the Electoral Commission office where she served as chairperson, leaving her status at the Commission unclear. The Constitutional Offices Commission secretariat has yet to confirm her resignation.
As a former civil servant with over 30 years of experience in developing projects worth more than $90 million on Fantasy Island, Ali called for the Government to address its internal issues or risk a collapse. He expressed that there is currently no hope for improvement, emphasizing that since the elections, there has been no progress.
Ali pointed out that the Government appears more focused on protecting its interests than addressing the needs of the people. He warned that if the situation continues, the country’s future looks bleak. He raised concerns about the Ministers’ responses to national issues and urged the Government to prioritize their manifesto over personal agendas.
He cautioned the Prime Minister and Cabinet members to remain aware of public sentiment, warning that failure to do so could lead them to a fate similar to that of the previous FijiFirst government. Ali emphasized that voters expect more from the current administration and reiterated that a Coalition Government is unlikely to succeed in Fiji.
When asked for a response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Biman Prasad acknowledged the public’s right to comment and criticize the Government, affirming that they maintain an environment of openness.