Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has expressed his astonishment at what he terms “outrageous lies” from former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who criticized the current government’s handling of Fiji’s economy. In a recent address, Sayed-Khaiyum accused Prof Prasad of misleading the public about the state of the economy and cited the withdrawal of social welfare services as detrimental to ordinary Fijians, claiming that many people are being removed from the pension scheme and that school fees are now a burden, countering the previously free education policy.
Responding to these allegations, Prof Prasad rejected Sayed-Khaiyum’s claims as baseless and accused him of fearmongering. “No one in the country is paying school fees. That’s a complete lie,” stated Prof Prasad. He defended the government’s economic policies by referencing a recent report from the Reserve Bank of Fiji, which indicated a positive economic trajectory with consumption activity increasing significantly and a revision of the GDP growth forecast from 2.8% to 3.8%.
In addition, Prof Prasad emphasized the current government’s commitment to press freedom, contrasting it with past media policies under Sayed-Khaiyum’s leadership. He noted that the “draconian media decree” that suppressed journalists has been repealed, arguing that this change reflects a more democratic approach to governance. According to Prof Prasad, even Sayed-Khaiyum now benefits from this free media environment, yet he continues to propagate misinformation.
The ongoing discourse highlights a critical moment for Fiji’s governance as political leaders clash over the effectiveness of current economic measures and the legacy of previous administrations. This argument underscores the importance of transparent dialogue in addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens and fostering a hopeful outlook for ongoing economic improvements and social stability.
In summary, while former leaders raise alarms about the government’s policies, Prof Prasad remains adamant about the positive economic indicators and the commitment to protect and enhance the welfare of the Fijian people. The dynamics of these political exchanges, particularly concerning economic management and social services, present an opportunity for constructive reform and citizen engagement in Fiji’s governance.
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