Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo has responded to mounting criticism regarding the size of Fiji’s government, emphasizing the need to focus on building strong institutions rather than merely reducing the number of ministers. This statement comes in the wake of Independent MP Jone Usamate’s concerns about the efficiency of a Cabinet that includes 23 Ministers and 15 Assistant Ministers, a total of 38 members, for a population of less than one million.
Usamate has pointed out that Fiji’s Cabinet size is notably larger than those in countries with significantly greater populations, such as New Zealand, which operates with 20 ministers for over 5 million residents. He argues that this bloated executive structure is inefficient and diverts funds that could otherwise enhance services for the Fijian people. Usamate has also raised alarms about the growing trend of politicization in the civil service, whereby appointments are often made based on political loyalty rather than merit, undermining the professionalism and effectiveness of public institutions.
In response, Vosarogo described Usamate’s claims as part of a “desperate” political strategy. He defended the government’s approach, asserting that maintaining good systems within institutions involves more than just cutting down the size of the executive; it entails ensuring that resources, leadership, and personnel are effectively working for the public good. He argued, “Institutional success depends not only on its mission and goals but also on the leadership that drives those objectives.”
Similar discussions in the past have highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of government appointments and the implications of a large Cabinet on governance. In previous sessions, Usamate has condemned the government’s trend of appointing individuals based on political affiliations instead of qualifications. This has culminated in calls for reforms aimed at restoring accountability within the civil service and fostering a truly effective governance framework that upholds professionalism.
These ongoing conversations about governance in Fiji signal a hopeful outlook for potential reforms. Advocating for merit-based appointments and stronger institutional integrity may pave the way for enhanced public trust and a more responsive government, addressing the urgent needs of Fijians.
In light of these debates, there exists an opportunity for both the government and the opposition to collaborate toward a more accountable political landscape, which could ultimately lead to improvements in public services and the overall governance of Fiji.
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