Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has voiced strong opposition to the recent cabinet expansion initiated by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, claiming it will impose an estimated cost of $3 million on taxpayers. This financial burden will be taken from existing budget allocations, a point confirmed by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.

Narube criticized the Prime Minister for prioritizing his political survival at the expense of the public, remarking that the reshuffle has resulted in a nearly bloated cabinet comprising 34 members, many of whom were not elected by the coalition parties. He argued that this raises significant concerns regarding the legitimacy of their appointments and dismissed Rabuka’s justification of improving governance and workload distribution as primarily motivated by personal political interests rather than genuine administrative enhancements.

This expansion has triggered considerable public dissatisfaction, particularly amidst the ongoing economic challenges facing Fiji. Opposition leaders, including Premila Kumar and Mahendra Chaudhry, have expressed similar concerns, labeling the cabinet increase as unnecessary and a misallocation of funds that could be better utilized for essential public services amidst rising living costs.

While the government defends the reshuffle as necessary for improving efficiency and addressing the responsibilities faced by its ministers, public sentiment remains critical. Prime Minister Rabuka maintains that these changes aim to enhance focus on key societal issues and streamline government operations.

Despite the controversy, there is cautious optimism that, if managed effectively, this cabinet expansion might ultimately lead to improved governance and accountability. A focus on public engagement and scrutiny is essential for driving meaningful reforms that align closely with the needs and expectations of the Fijian populace during these challenging times. The hope is that this political shift could pave the way for a more effective administration that genuinely serves the interests of its citizens.