Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has expressed grave concerns about the cabinet expansion initiated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, which he estimates will impose a financial burden of approximately $3 million on taxpayers. This expenditure, confirmed by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad, will be sourced from existing budget allocations.
Narube criticizes the Prime Minister for prioritizing personal political security over the interests of the public, arguing that the reshuffle has inflated an already large cabinet, now totaling 34 members, most of whom were not elected by the coalition parties. He questions the legitimacy of these appointments and dismisses Rabuka’s justification of enhancing government efficiency through workload redistribution as primarily self-serving.
This cabinet expansion has sparked significant public dissatisfaction, particularly as many citizens are grappling with ongoing economic challenges. Opposition figures such as Premila Kumar and Mahendra Chaudhry have echoed Narube’s sentiments, denouncing the increase in cabinet size as unnecessary and a misallocation of resources that could be better deployed towards essential public services.
Despite the criticisms, the government maintains that the reshuffle is necessary to better manage the extensive responsibilities faced by ministers and enhance governance. Prime Minister Rabuka insists that these changes will improve focus on critical societal issues.
In summary, while this cabinet reshuffle has ignited considerable debate regarding its cost and necessity, there is cautious optimism that, if properly managed, these changes could foster significant improvements in governance. Continued public engagement and scrutiny will be pivotal in ensuring accountability and responsiveness to the genuine concerns of Fiji’s citizens during these challenging economic times. The hope remains that this political transition might lead to a more efficient administration dedicated to serving the populace effectively.
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