A prominent developer from Nadi has expressed his disillusionment with the Coalition Government. Abbas Ali, the owner of Fantasy Island, openly criticized the perceived ineffectiveness of so-called independent institutions. He described the crisis surrounding the appointment of Barbara Malimali as the new Commissioner of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) as a farce.
Malimali was reportedly under investigation by FICAC at the time of her appointment, with investigators having searched the Electoral Commission office where she was serving as chairperson just a day prior. The status of her resignation from the Electoral Commission remains unconfirmed by the Constitutional Offices Commission secretariat.
With a background as a civil servant and over three decades of experience in developing projects worth more than $90 million on Fantasy Island, Mr. Ali strongly believes the government needs to realign its priorities, or it risks imminent collapse. He stated, “There is no hope at all,” and criticized the lack of progress since the election, suggesting that the government is prioritizing self-preservation over the needs of the people.
Mr. Ali further warned government leaders to remain vigilant, cautioning that failure to do so could lead to a repeat of the previous FijiFirst government’s downfall. He asserted, “The voters expected something better from this Government,” reflecting his concerns about public dissatisfaction.
As the three-party Coalition Government enters its second year, Ali remains skeptical about its effectiveness, declaring, “A Coalition Government will never work for Fiji.” When asked for a response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Biman Prasad acknowledged the public’s right to criticize the government, emphasizing their commitment to an open government that welcomes feedback.