Opposition Member of Parliament, Premila Kumar, has criticized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, suggesting that he is attempting to market the National Development Plan without genuine interest from the public.
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 raised questions about their feelings when shopping for groceries, obtaining medications from pharmacies, and engaging with various service providers, including legal and medical professionals. She pointed out the impact of rising fees and utility bills on households.
Kumar argued that while the government touts the economy’s success, it’s crucial to assess whether these improvements are felt by the populace. She described the National Development Plan as an idealistic vision that fails to tackle pressing problems faced by citizens.
Kumar urged the Deputy Prime Minister to enhance his efforts, while also criticizing Professor Prasad’s ambition to transform the country into a high-income nation. She defended the previous Bainimarama Government, stating that it successfully transitioned the country from a low-income to a middle-income status.