The government should avoid appointing permanent secretaries and CEOs to multiple boards if they have not successfully managed their own ministries or companies, according to Opposition Member Premila Kumar. She made this statement during a parliamentary debate on the ‘Review Report of Assets Fiji Pte Ltd Annual Report 2016–2019’ on Tuesday.
Kumar stressed that transparency and accountability in the management of public assets are crucial. She pointed out the failure of the chair of Asset Fiji Ltd, a former permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, who did not respond to the committee’s request for a public meeting.
Labeling these actions as “unacceptable,” Kumar expressed that it is a “disservice to the people of Fiji.” She reiterated that the appointment of leaders who cannot manage their primary responsibilities should come to an end, as they are too busy to attend important meetings. Currently, Asset Fiji Ltd manages $57 million in assets, and she emphasized that effective management of public assets is vital for generating revenue for the government.