Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has come under fire from Opposition Member Premila Kumar following what she termed a “sham” Cabinet reshuffle, which involved the appointment of seven new ministers and assistant ministers. Kumar criticized Rabuka for failing to hold non-performing ministers accountable and instead expanding the Cabinet, which she claims rewards inefficiency at the expense of hardworking Fijians.

Kumar emphasized that this isn’t a genuine reshuffle but rather a “bailout” for underperforming officials who remain in their positions, enjoying the benefits while real issues are left unaddressed. She pointed out that the size of the Cabinet has increased to a staggering 34 members, including 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers, making it one of the largest in Fiji’s history. This expansion contradicts previous pledges made by Rabuka and the Minister for Finance to reduce government size and cut unnecessary costs before the 2022 General Election.

The Opposition MP expressed concerns that this growth in government will divert vital resources from critical projects, ultimately draining funds needed for public services as citizens grapple with rising living expenses and declining services. Kumar’s sentiments are echoed by former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who labeled the current expansion as “irresponsible” given the financial burden it places on taxpayers during these economically challenging times.

Despite the wave of criticism, there is a glimmer of hope that this situation may stimulate necessary reforms. The backlash could foster a re-evaluation of policies and strategies by the government, focusing on accountability and the genuine needs of the Fijian public. Advocates for reform believe that enhanced dialogue could lead to a renewed emphasis on improving public services and restoring trust between the administration and citizens.

In summary, while Prime Minister Rabuka’s recent cabinet reshuffle has sparked significant controversy and calls for accountability, it also serves as a potential catalyst for meaningful reforms. This moment could encourage the government to realign more closely with the aspirations and needs of Fijian citizens, thus revitalizing public service and enhancing the relationship between the administration and the people it serves.