Opposition MP Premila Kumar has criticized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, accusing him of trying to market the National Development Plan without genuine public support. During her response to Professor Biman Prasad’s Ministerial Statement on the plan, Kumar emphasized the importance of understanding how ordinary citizens perceive the initiative.
She posed questions about the feelings of the public when purchasing groceries, obtaining medication, or dealing with various service providers, highlighting the financial pressures they face, including utility bills. Kumar argued that while government officials may claim that the economy is thriving, it is essential to assess whether this growth is being experienced by the general population. She described the National Development Plan as an unrealistic proposal that fails to tackle the pressing challenges faced by citizens.
Kumar urged the Deputy Prime Minister to improve his approach and expressed skepticism about Prasad’s vision for transforming the nation into a high-income country. She asserted that the Bainimarama Government has successfully elevated the country from low income to middle income, indicating her support for their achievements.