Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to appoint three new ministers and four assistant ministers, deeming the reshuffle a “sham.” Speaking to FijiLive, she expressed her dissatisfaction with Rabuka’s failure to address inefficiencies among existing cabinet members and accused the Prime Minister of simply expanding the government, which she views as a bailout for underperforming officials at the expense of ordinary Fijians.

Kumar emphasized that instead of taking accountability for ineffective leadership, Rabuka has preserved the status quo by appointing seven additional members to the cabinet, which now comprises a total of 34 ministers and assistant ministers. This expansion has made it one of the largest cabinets in Fiji’s history, with 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. Kumar pointed out that this growth contradicts earlier promises made by both Rabuka and the Deputy Prime Minister to reduce the size of the government and curb unnecessary expenditures, especially in light of the economic challenges faced by Fijians.

“If the current ministers and assistant ministers were delivering results, why expand the cabinet?” Kumar questioned, asserting that this decision reflects a failure in leadership. She underlined that the unbudgeted nature of these new appointments would likely drain vital resources from essential development projects, worsening the already strained public services amidst rising living costs.

Echoing Kumar’s sentiments, former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has also decried the cabinet expansion as irresponsible and a financial burden on taxpayers, noting the disconnect between government actions and the pressing needs of the citizens, particularly with regard to poverty and declining public services.

Despite the backlash stemming from this decision, there is potential for transformative governance reforms as the public and political figures engage in vital discussions about accountability and effective leadership. Advocates for reform are hopeful that the government might reconsider its policies and strategies, focusing on genuine public service and addressing the needs of ordinary Fijians.

In summary, while the recent cabinet enlargement has generated criticism and concern about governance in Fiji, it also presents an opportunity for the government to reassess its priorities and align more closely with the expectations of its citizens. A shift towards transparent dialogue and accountability could pave the way for improved service delivery and a stronger relationship between the administration and the public.