Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has voiced strong criticism of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent cabinet appointments, deeming the reshuffle as a “sham.” Kumar’s discontent centers around the Prime Minister’s decision to bring three new Ministers and four Assistant Ministers into the Cabinet without addressing ongoing inefficiencies among current ministers.

In her remarks to FijiLive, Kumar contends that this move merely serves as a bailout for ineffective leaders who continue to benefit from their positions while everyday Fijians bear the brunt of government shortcomings. She highlighted that the expanded Cabinet now consists of 34 members, making it one of the largest in Fiji’s history with 22 Cabinet Ministers and 12 Assistant Ministers. Kumar emphasized that this drastic increase contradicts previous pledges made by Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister to reduce government size and limit unnecessary spending.

Kumar questioned the rationale behind the Cabinet expansion, stating, “If the current ministers and assistant ministers were delivering results, why expand the cabinet? The answer is clear: they aren’t.” She described this expansion as a clear indication of leadership failure, arguing that it rewards those who do not perform while draining resources from essential development projects. This diversion of funds is particularly concerning for taxpayers already grappling with rising living costs and dwindling public services.

Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry echoed Kumar’s sentiments, labeling the Cabinet enlargement as “irresponsible” and a financial burden on citizens who face economic challenges.

Despite the heavy critique, this situation could pave the way for necessary reforms within the government as the political discourse continues. Advocates for accountability and effective governance are hopeful that ongoing discussions may encourage the administration to rethink its strategies, focusing more on the concerns of the populace. This moment could serve as a catalyst for improved public services and a reestablishment of trust between the government and Fijian citizens.

In summary, while the recent cabinet changes have sparked significant backlash, they also highlight the urgent need for reform and greater accountability. The government faces a crucial opportunity to realign its focus on the welfare of the citizens, potentially leading to a more responsive and effective administration in Fiji.