Opposition MP Premila Kumar has raised concerns regarding the government’s decision to redeploy funds from the 2023-2024 budget after the financial year has officially concluded. Kumar questioned why the Cabinet is approving these redeployments in August when the financial period ended in July.
In an interview, Kumar expressed that such actions point to a concerning lack of foresight and inadequate financial management. She also criticized the Minister of Finance for failing to disclose details about the $105.2 million in over-expenditures and under-expenditures that he had redeployed in July, despite his assertions of transparency.
Kumar emphasized that it is crucial for Minister Prasad to refrain from blaming the previous administration and urged the Coalition Government to show how it is positively impacting the lives of Fijians through responsible fiscal management and fulfillment of its commitments. She called for the government to offer clear explanations, accept responsibility for its decisions, and ensure public funds are utilized to benefit citizens rather than to mask inefficiencies and mismanagement.
Additionally, Kumar described the Minister of Finance’s remarks on the fund redeployment as defensive tactics that avoid addressing legitimate concerns instead of providing clear responses. She asserted that part of the Opposition’s responsibility is to ensure that the government exercises strict expenditure control, maintains transparency, and upholds good governance.
Kumar clarified that her criticisms are not personal attacks but rather a demand for accountability and effective use of public funds for the benefit of all Fijians. She criticized the Minister for repeatedly diverting attention from critical issues by comparing his actions to those of prior administrations.
Furthermore, Kumar pointed out that the focus should not solely be on exceeding the overall budget approved by Parliament, which the Minister cited as his rationale. She noted that concerns regarding under-expenditure are equally significant, as it reflects a failure to implement planned initiatives, which directly affects Fijians. For instance, no advancements were made on rural electrification projects despite a $4.1 million allocation. Additionally, only 39 percent of the $12 million earmarked for essential hospital equipment was utilized, and the Ministry of Education expended only 11 to 20 percent of the funds allocated for upgrading schools and related facilities. Such shortcomings raise serious doubts about the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises.
Kumar further stated that the matter of teacher compensation within the Ministry of Education should have been properly addressed in the 2024-2025 budget instead of relying on redeployment from the previous year’s budget, and similarly with the Fiji Police Force.