Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has expressed strong concerns regarding the recent cabinet expansion by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, estimating that the appointments of new ministers and assistant ministers will cost taxpayers approximately $3 million. This financial commitment, according to Narube, will be drawn from existing budget allocations, as confirmed by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.

Narube criticized the Prime Minister’s motives, suggesting that the reshuffle was driven by personal political interests rather than genuine governance improvements. He described the increase in cabinet size as excessive, stating that the new members were not elected by the coalition parties, which raises questions about the legitimacy of such appointments. Narube noted that the Prime Minister has put the burden of his political survival on the people, prioritizing his interests over the financial implications for citizens.

This criticism echoes sentiments from other political figures and previous discussions around the cabinet expansion, where it has been highlighted that the current government now consists of 34 members, leading to significant public discontent amidst ongoing economic challenges. Opposition leaders, including Premila Kumar and Mahendra Chaudhry, have similarly condemned the move as unnecessary and a misallocation of resources that could be used more effectively for public services.

Despite the controversy, the government maintains that the reshuffle will enhance efficiency and governance effectiveness. Prime Minister Rabuka has emphasized that this restructuring is essential for better-managed portfolios and improved public service delivery.

In summary, while the cabinet expansion has sparked significant debate about its cost and necessity, there remains a cautious optimism that these changes could eventually lead to a more focused approach to pressing societal issues, if managed effectively. The hope is that with continued public scrutiny and accountability, this reshuffle may provide a foundation for meaningful reforms that truly benefit the Fijian people.