Opposition MP Premila Kumar has sharply criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for his recent decision to appoint three new Ministers and four Assistant Ministers, labeling the move a “sham” and a signal of leadership failure. In an interview with FijiLive, Kumar expressed her concern that rather than addressing the inefficiencies of current cabinet members, Rabuka has chosen to expand his Cabinet, which she perceives as a bailout for underperforming officials enjoying the perks of their positions.

Kumar highlighted that this expansion brings the total number of ministers and assistant ministers in the government to 34, marking it as one of the largest cabinets in Fiji’s history, comprised of 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. This contradicts earlier promises made by Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister to downsize the government and curtail unnecessary spending, which has raised significant concerns regarding governance and accountability.

“If the current ministers and assistant ministers were delivering results, why expand the cabinet? The answer is clear: they aren’t,” Kumar stated, emphasizing that the decision reflects a failure of leadership rather than an effective reshuffle. The newly appointed positions, being unbudgeted, threaten to drain critical resources needed for essential projects, compounding the difficulties residents are already facing with rising living costs and diminishing public services.

Her criticism resonates with sentiments articulated by other political figures, such as former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who has deemed the cabinet expansion “irresponsible” and a financial burden on taxpayers. Kumar stresses that Fijians deserve a government that prioritizes their needs and holds officials accountable, rather than one that maintains alliances at the expense of public trust and welfare.

Despite the evident discontent, there exists a glimmer of hope that this discourse may serve as a catalyst for reform. Advocates for accountability suggest that through ongoing discussions, the government could reassess its priorities and adopt strategies that better align with the aspirations of the Fijian people. This situation represents a pivotal moment for governance in Fiji, where increased dialogue could lead to enhanced public services and a restoration of trust between citizens and their government.

In summary, while the cabinet expansion has sparked considerable criticism, it also opens avenues for reform that may result in a leadership more attuned to the needs of its constituents, ultimately leading to improved governance and public trust.