Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has sharply criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent cabinet reshuffle, referring to the changes as a “sham reshuffle.” In her statements, she accused the Prime Minister of failing the people of Fiji by opting to expand the cabinet rather than hold underperforming ministers accountable.

Kumar highlighted that the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint seven new ministers and assistant ministers instead of addressing inefficiencies among the current leadership reflects a “bailout” for ineffective leaders. She argued that this expansion does not deliver on the necessary changes that Fijians need and has instead preserved the status quo, which harms hardworking citizens who expect their government to prioritize accountability.

With the cabinet now totaling 34 members—22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers—Kumar noted that this move contradicts previous commitments made by Rabuka to reduce the size of government and cut unnecessary spending. She lamented that instead of reshuffling ineffective ministers, the Prime Minister has chosen to bolster the cabinet ranks, further entrenching inefficiencies at the expense of the taxpayers.

Kumar’s concerns echo sentiments from other political leaders, such as former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who also criticized the expansion as irresponsible amid rising living costs and declining public services in Fiji. The continual expansion of the cabinet, they argue, alienates the government from addressing critical issues such as poverty, infrastructure degradation, and economic challenges faced by the populace.

Despite these serious criticisms, there lies potential for hope that ongoing discourse will motivate the government to enact necessary reforms. Advocates for change believe that amplifying calls for accountability may inspire the government to enhance leadership effectiveness and focus on the needs of all Fijians. Strengthening communication between the government and its citizens can pave the way for improved service delivery and the rebuilding of public trust.

In summary, the recent cabinet reshuffle has ignited significant debate regarding governance in Fiji, underscoring the crucial need for accountability and meaningful reforms. Observers suggest that, through these discussions, there is a possibility for a more engaged administration dedicated to addressing the real concerns of its citizens, leading to a government more responsive to the aspirations of the Fijian people.