Opposition MP Premila Kumar has publicly criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for what she perceives as politically motivated intentions behind the government’s proposal to change Fiji’s fiscal year. In her statement, Kumar referred to the move as “fixing what isn’t broken” and labeled it a “costly distraction” that detracts from more pressing national issues such as poverty, unemployment, rising crime, drug-related problems, and climate change.
Kumar emphasized that the current August-July fiscal year has proven effective, enabling the government to manage vulnerabilities related to natural disasters more efficiently. She noted that the fiscal year adjustment made in 2016 was strategically aligned with Fiji’s cyclone season, allowing for better planning and allocation of funds for disaster recovery before a new budget cycle begins.
“This wasn’t politics — it was smart governance tailored to our climate reality,” Kumar asserted, expressing concern that shifting the fiscal year closer to the November-January period would conflict with school holidays and festive events, further impacting productivity in an already slow period for public services.
Kumar challenged the government’s rationale for the change, questioning the evidence behind claims of improved cash flow and coordination. She asked, “Where is the proof this will lower the cost of living, create jobs, or strengthen disaster resilience?” She expressed apprehension that the transition could lead to chaos, mini-budgets, and increased bureaucracy.
Highlighting that many nations align their fiscal cycles with economic realities instead of the calendar year, Kumar claimed that Fiji was already “ahead of the curve” prior to the proposed changes. She described the government’s intentions as a regression and reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to holding the government accountable.
Kumar concluded by underscoring that Fijians deserve tangible solutions rather than mere symbolic gestures, framing the government’s actions as prioritizing political agendas over the needs of the people. In doing so, she reinforces the need for focused leadership that addresses pressing challenges facing Fiji today.
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