Opposition MP Premila Kumar has criticized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance for trying to promote the National Development Plan in a persuasive manner, claiming that the public is not convinced. During her response to Professor Biman Prasad’s Ministerial Statement regarding the plan, Kumar emphasized the importance of understanding how citizens perceive the initiative.
She posed several questions about the everyday experiences of the people, asking how they feel when shopping for groceries, purchasing medicine, or paying bills. Kumar pointed out that while the government may tout economic success, the actual benefits must be tangible to the public. She described the National Development Plan as an unrealistic vision that promises advancement without addressing current challenges faced by citizens.
Kumar urged the Deputy Prime Minister to improve his approach and expressed skepticism about Prof Prasad’s ambition to transform the nation into a high-income economy. She highlighted the achievements of the Bainimarama government, noting that it has successfully elevated the country from a low-income to a middle-income status.