Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has strongly criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to appoint three new Ministers and four Assistant Ministers, calling the announcement a ‘sham.’ In her remarks to FijiLive, Kumar accused the Prime Minister of failing to address inefficiencies among his ministers and instead opting to expand the Cabinet without taking accountability measures, which she believes will ultimately cost taxpayers.

Kumar’s criticism centers on the notion that this cabinet expansion serves as a bailout for underperforming officials rather than a genuine reshuffle aimed at improving governance. She pointed out that the current administration has now ballooned to a total of 34 ministers and assistant ministers, making it one of the largest in Fiji’s history. This includes 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers, a situation Kumar describes as a significant contradiction to promises made by Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister to reduce the size of government and curb unnecessary spending prior to the 2022 General Election.

Kumar argues that if the existing ministers were effectively fulfilling their roles, there would be no justification for enlarging the cabinet. This decision reflects an admission of failure in leadership, she contends, as it rewards inefficiency instead of addressing it. Moreover, the newly appointed positions are unbudgeted, which could divert funds from crucial development projects, further straining resources meant for public services. She stressed that Fijians deserve a government that prioritizes their needs rather than maintaining alliances that sidestep accountability.

This criticism is echoed by other political figures, including Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry, who has also condemned the cabinet expansion as ‘irresponsible’ and a significant financial burden for taxpayers. Chaudhry’s remarks highlight the disconnect between government actions and the pressing economic challenges faced by the citizens of Fiji, such as high living costs and declining public services.

As the political dynamics in Fiji continue to unfold, the ongoing calls for accountability and effective governance may inspire necessary reforms. There’s hope that through these discussions, the government will recognize the importance of addressing the concerns of the citizens directly and reshaping policies for better service delivery. By focusing on the true needs of the populace, there lies the potential for a more engaged electorate and an administration that is aligned with the aspirations of ordinary Fijians.