Opposition MP Premila Kumar has sharply criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to assume control over both the Immigration Department and the Fiji Police Force. Kumar expressed concern that the Prime Minister might be overextending himself by managing multiple critical portfolios, which could undermine effective governance.
Kumar raised questions about the Prime Minister’s confidence in his team’s abilities, emphasizing that consolidating power in one office is unnecessary when there is a diverse pool of ministers available. She argued that distributing responsibilities across the government would lead to better governance, as each ministry requires specific attention and strategic planning to effectively address pressing issues such as the rising cost of living, healthcare challenges, drug-related problems, and public safety concerns.
In defense of his decision, Prime Minister Rabuka explained that he was temporarily taking on these additional responsibilities due to ongoing investigations within the Immigration Department. He clarified that this arrangement would be short-term, occurring only while former Minister Pio Tikoduadua is sidelined to ensure an impartial inquiry into recent allegations regarding the issuance of unauthorized passports.
Rabuka’s announcement included that this change would officially take effect on December 1, while Tikoduadua will retain his other ministerial roles related to defense and military affairs.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in the Fijian government as it navigates complex issues requiring concerted efforts. While consolidation of control may initially seem advantageous, it raises pertinent questions about leadership effectiveness and the ability to respond adequately to the needs of the populace.
In conclusion, while the current political dynamics may present hurdles, they also offer an opportunity for the government to reflect on its structure, encouraging collaboration and empowerment of various ministries to tackle Fiji’s pressing challenges more effectively. By prioritizing teamwork and delegation of responsibilities, the government can work towards solutions that ultimately benefit the citizens.
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