Recent criticisms have surfaced regarding the new appointments made by the Fijian government, as Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal raised alarms over what he described as a “bloated” Cabinet amidst a time of austerity for the citizens. Lal highlighted that the recent appointment of ministers and assistant ministers has led to a record proportion of Members of Parliament serving in these roles, which he argues is unjustifiable considering the country’s size and the pressing economic challenges that citizens face.

Lal pointed out that ordinary Fijians are currently enduring severe austerity measures—such as a significant increase in the VAT rate—while the government appears to be expanding its executive power. He argued that a more appropriate size for Fiji’s Cabinet would be between 12 to 15 ministers, suggesting that the government’s current focus may be misplaced. The rationale behind such an increase in ministerial roles, according to Lal, remains ambiguous, particularly regarding the functions performed by Assistant Ministers.

This sentiment echoes criticisms made by Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar, who referred to the recent reshuffle as a “sham.” Kumar argued that the Prime Minister’s decision to add more ministers is a strategy to protect underperforming leaders rather than a proactive approach to improve governance. She emphasized the contradiction of this expansion against commitments made by the Prime Minister to reduce unnecessary government size and spending.

Both Lal and Kumar stressed that the government should rather focus on urgent challenges like poverty, rising living costs, and deteriorating public services instead of increasing its Cabinet size, which they believe may further burden taxpayers. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry shared similar concerns, labeling the action as “irresponsible” during a time when fiscal responsibility is vital.

Despite these significant criticisms, there could be a silver lining. The ongoing dialogue around cabinet expansion has the potential to illuminate the need for accountability and effectiveness in governance. As the public discourse continues, there is hope that the government will recognize the importance of directly addressing the citizens’ needs, thereby fostering an administration that truly reflects the aspirations of the Fijian populace. By engaging with these pressing issues, the government might pave the way for the necessary reforms that could lead to improved public service and a stronger connection with its citizens.

In summary, the increase in ministerial roles during a challenging economic period raises serious questions about governance priorities in Fiji. The hope is that through continued scrutiny and discussion, the administration will shift its focus toward better serving the public interests and addressing economic hardships effectively.