Opposition MP Premila Kumar has sharply criticized the Coalition Government for its decision to forgo an appeal against a High Court ruling that deemed the termination of Barbara Malimali unlawful. She characterized this choice as indicative of deep-seated incompetence within the administration.
In her statement, Ms. Kumar asserted that the government’s stance represents a “tacit confession of incompetence,” highlighting failures at the top levels of governance. She directed her criticism at key figures, including the Prime Minister, the Acting Attorney-General, and the Solicitor-General, suggesting that they are surrounded by ineffective advisory systems.
Ms. Kumar contended that Fiji is now governed by leaders who fail to comprehend or respect the law, noting that legal mismanagement has become a frequent occurrence in the current administration. According to her, court losses have become commonplace, legal humiliations routine, and taxpayer-funded damage control has turned into standard operating procedure.
She accused the Prime Minister of inconsistency, stating, “He speaks of the rule of law while trampling it. He invokes institutions while bypassing them. He promises stability while manufacturing chaos.” The impact of these missteps, she claimed, is being borne by ordinary Fijians, who suffer from wasted legal resources, exposure to compensation claims, and a stagnant state apparatus.
Additionally, Ms. Kumar criticized the roles of Cabinet ministers and assistant ministers, suggesting that their primary function appears to be applauding governmental failings rather than providing sound advice or preventing missteps. She lamented, “This is not governance. It is political decay in real time. Fiji is not facing a policy problem. Fiji is facing a leadership collapse.”
This situation underscores a critical moment for Fijian governance, with hope stemming from a growing public discourse about accountability and the need for effective leadership, as citizens rally for a government that prioritizes legal integrity and operational competence.
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