Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has publicly condemned Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to expand the cabinet, branding it a “sham reshuffle.” Kumar expressed her disappointment, asserting that instead of taking steps to hold underperforming ministers accountable, Rabuka has opted to appoint seven new ministers and assistant ministers. This move, she argues, merely reinforces inefficiencies within the government and does little to address the real issues facing the citizens of Fiji.

Kumar stated, “This isn’t a reshuffle. It’s a bailout for underperforming ministers who continue to enjoy perks at the expense of hardworking Fijians.” She emphasized that rather than redistributing roles among ineffective leaders, Rabuka has chosen to maintain the current cabinet’s status quo, which she regards as a betrayal of the public’s trust.

With the cabinet now comprising a total of 34 members—22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers—Kumar contended that this expansion contradicts Rabuka’s previous promises to reduce the size of government and cut unnecessary spending. She highlighted that this is one of the largest cabinets in Fiji’s history, which raises questions about the ability of such a large administration to effectively address mounting challenges like poverty, infrastructure degradation, and rising living costs.

The criticisms from Kumar are echoed by other political figures, including former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who labelled the cabinet enlargement as irresponsible, arguing it places an additional financial strain on taxpayers while neglecting urgent public service delivery.

Despite the substantial backlash, there is optimism that ongoing discussions surrounding governance may encourage the government to reassess its strategies and prioritize accountability. Advocates for reform are hopeful that strengthening communication between the administration and its citizens could lead to improved service delivery and a reinstatement of public trust.

In summary, while the cabinet reshuffle has sparked significant debate regarding governance in Fiji, it also presents a crucial opportunity for the government to align more closely with the aspirations of its citizens. Many believe that this dialogue could inspire necessary reforms and lead to a more engaged leadership committed to addressing the pressing needs of the Fijian populace.