Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has fiercely criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for what she describes as a loss of control within his government, raising significant concerns during a recent parliamentary session regarding the deteriorating conditions in Fiji. Addressing the Prime Minister’s recent speech, Kumar pointed out urgent issues plaguing the nation, such as escalating crime rates, soaring living expenses, a rise in drug-related incidents, increasing HIV cases, and a troubling trend of young Fijians leaving the country in large numbers.
Kumar expressed disappointment with the healthcare system, declaring that hospitals are poorly managed and lack essential resources, including backup generators during critical surgeries. She also condemned the government’s handling of judicial matters, asserting that troubling questions arise about their effectiveness under the current administration.
As a former FijiFirst minister, Kumar accused the Coalition Government of prioritizing lavish events and international travel over addressing the country’s urgent challenges. She emphasized that the government has failed to fulfill its election commitments, instead shifting the blame onto the previous FijiFirst regime for its own unfulfilled promises.
Moreover, Kumar charged that the Coalition government is suppressing opposition voices in Parliament by restricting Question Time, which hinders crucial inquiries on behalf of the Fijian people. She characterized this move as undemocratic, claiming it promotes a culture of silence regarding accountability. Additionally, she highlighted the reduction of time allocated for parliamentary debates, which limits meaningful discussions vital for effective governance.
Kumar also criticized the implementation of a roll call voting system, which she contends endangers the constitutional right to a secret ballot and could potentially lead to intimidation among lawmakers. This development, she argues, exemplifies a broader erosion of democratic principles and poses a risk to the integrity of governance in Fiji.
As the Parliament session continues, there remains hope that discussions emphasizing accountability may lead to necessary reforms in the government’s approach to addressing the needs of its citizens. Proponents of change believe that fostering public dialogue can create a government more attuned to the aspirations and needs of its constituents, ultimately enhancing service delivery and rebuilding trust in leadership.
Leave a comment