Criticism has intensified regarding the recent expansion of Fiji’s Cabinet, which has seen the appointment of new ministers and assistant ministers. Nilesh Lal, the Executive Director of Dialogue Fiji, has called the Cabinet “bloated,” emphasizing that this unprecedented level of appointments is inappropriate given the country’s economic challenges, particularly amid severe austerity measures, including a dramatic 66% increase in the VAT rate.

Lal argues that a more suitable size for Fiji’s Cabinet would ideally consist of 12 to 15 ministers, questioning the necessity for such a substantial increase in ministerial roles. He expressed concerns over the ambiguous functions of the newly appointed assistant ministers, highlighting that their roles and contributions to governance remain unclear. This raises important questions about the government’s priorities during a time when Fijians are grappling with critical issues like poverty, high living costs, and declining public services.

Echoing Lal’s sentiments, Opposition MP Premila Kumar has labeled the reshuffle a “sham,” asserting that it primarily serves to protect underperforming leaders rather than enhance governance. Kumar highlighted that the current administration has swollen to a total of 34 ministers and assistant ministers, one of the largest Cabinets in Fiji’s history, and criticized the contradiction of this expansion against prior commitments to reduce government size.

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has also condemned the Cabinet expansion as irresponsible, further stressing the disconnect between the government’s actions and the pressing demands of the citizens.

On a more positive note, the ongoing discourse surrounding the Cabinet’s size presents an opportunity for the government to realign its focus and engage more directly with the aspirations of ordinary Fijians. There is hope that increased public scrutiny will lead to necessary reforms and foster an administration that prioritizes addressing the immediate needs of its populace.

In summary, while the enlargement of Fiji’s Cabinet raises significant concerns about governance priorities, it could also pave the way for constructive dialogue and potential reforms that enhance public service and accountability within the government.