Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is facing significant backlash over what Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar describes as a “sham reshuffle.” Following the appointment of seven new ministers and assistant ministers, Kumar expressed her disappointment, arguing that instead of addressing the existing weaknesses in his cabinet, Rabuka has merely reinforced the status quo, benefiting underperforming officials at the expense of Fijians.

Kumar emphasized that what could have been an opportunity for genuine change has instead resulted in the government’s expansion to a total of 34 members—22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. This marks one of the largest cabinets in Fiji’s history and contradicts Rabuka’s earlier promises to downsize government and reduce costs made during the 2022 General Election campaign.

Kumar criticized the Prime Minister for maintaining ineffective leaders in their roles, suggesting that this cabinet expansion is not only a missed opportunity for accountability but also a potential drain on essential public resources. Decisions made during this reshuffle could redirect funds from critical projects just when the country is grappling with rising living costs and declining public services.

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoed Kumar’s sentiments, labeling the decision as “irresponsible” and a burden on taxpayers. He highlighted that the growing size of the cabinet could alienate the government from effectively addressing pressing challenges such as poverty and infrastructure decay.

Nevertheless, despite the widespread criticism, there is a glimmer of hope that this situation could catalyze necessary reforms. The discontent expressed by both the opposition and the public may encourage the government to reassess its policies and strategies, enhancing accountability and fostering a renewed focus on the genuine needs of the Fijian populace.

In summary, while the recent cabinet reshuffle has raised serious concerns regarding governance and accountability in Fiji, it also presents an opportunity for essential reforms. By engaging in constructive dialogue, the government may recalibrate its priorities to better serve the needs of its citizens, ultimately leading to improved public services and a stronger relationship with the Fijian people.