Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent cabinet expansion, deeming it a “sham reshuffle.” She expressed disappointment that instead of holding underperforming ministers accountable, Rabuka appointed seven new ministers and assistant ministers, thereby maintaining the existing inefficiencies within the government. Kumar stated that this move is not a true reshuffle, but rather a “bailout” for ineffective leaders who continue to enjoy their positions at the expense of hardworking Fijians.

Kumar underlined that the cabinet’s size has now inflated to 34 members, comprising 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers, marking it as one of the largest in Fiji’s history. This expansion contradicts previous commitments made by Rabuka and the Minister for Finance to reduce the size of the government and cut unnecessary expenses.

The opposition MP pointed out that this approach undermines public trust, especially as the country grapples with increasing living costs and a decline in public services. Notable political figures, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, have echoed Kumar’s concerns, labeling the cabinet enlargement as irresponsible due to the financial burden it places on taxpayers amid mounting socio-economic challenges.

Despite the backlash, there remains a glimmer of hope that these ongoing discussions about governance may encourage the government to reassess its strategies. Advocates for reform believe that heightened calls for accountability could inspire the administration to enhance its leadership effectiveness and better address the pressing issues facing the Fijian populace.

In summary, while the recent cabinet reshuffle has stirred significant criticism over governance and accountability in Fiji, it also presents an opportunity for necessary reforms. The situation could potentially lead to a reimagined leadership focused on the needs of its citizens, thus revitalizing public service and trust.