Opposition MP Premila Kumar has voiced her concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s choice to take on additional portfolios, namely Immigration and Police, alongside an already extensive list of responsibilities. She questions the government’s confidence in its team, arguing that a concentration of power in one office is unnecessary given that nearly all members of the Coalition Government hold ministerial roles.
Kumar emphasizes that with a sizeable pool of ministers, responsibilities could be more effectively shared. She argues that delegating these vital portfolios to other ministers would enhance focus and ensure better oversight and accountability in each sector.
Highlighting the importance of focused leadership for effective governance, Kumar warns that managing critical ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Climate Change, and now Immigration and Police may stretch the Prime Minister too thin. She asserts that each sector requires attentive leadership and the ability to quickly address challenges, which is unrealistic for any individual to manage effectively.
Kumar draws parallels to past administrative changes, suggesting that fragmentation of roles, like splitting Defence and Immigration, may complicate governance without improving service delivery. She points out that Fiji currently faces significant challenges, including rising living costs, healthcare struggles, drug issues, and a talent drain from key sectors such as education and health.
She argues that the Prime Minister’s focus on consolidating power undermines efforts to tackle these pressing issues. Kumar calls for a shift towards empowering ministers to fully engage in their designated portfolios, asserting that this would allow for necessary attention to be given where it is due.
In her statement, she stresses the principles of good governance: delegation, accountability, and results. Kumar urges the Prime Minister to reconsider his approach, suggesting that trusting his ministers would not only enhance operational efficiency but also lead to improved outcomes for the citizens he serves. She further critiques the performance of certain ministers, calling for immediate action to address underperformance and advocating for a government more focused on pressing national priorities rather than on less critical activities.
This situation serves as a reminder of the vital importance of strong, distributed leadership in governance, where each minister can contribute effectively to address significant national challenges, ultimately fostering improvement and progress in society.
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