Opposition MP Premila Kumar has criticized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, suggesting he is attempting to sell the National Development Plan without genuine public interest. In her remarks responding to Professor Biman Prasad’s Ministerial Statement on the plan, Kumar emphasized the importance of understanding how everyday people perceive the initiative.
“How do they feel when shopping for groceries at supermarkets or obtaining medications from pharmacies?” she asked. Kumar highlighted the cost of services, including legal and medical fees, as well as utility bills, questioning whether the purported economic growth translates into tangible benefits for citizens.
She argued that while the government claims the economy is thriving, the reality experienced by the populace is different. Kumar described the National Development Plan as an unrealistic promise that fails to tackle pressing issues currently faced by the community.
Kumar urged the Deputy Prime Minister to enhance his efforts. She also criticized Professor Prasad’s ambitions to elevate the country to high-income status, asserting that the previous Bainimarama Government successfully transitioned the nation from no income to middle-income status.