Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has criticized the recent cabinet expansion led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, estimating that the cost of appointing new ministers and assistant ministers will be around $3 million. Narube highlighted that this expenditure will be drawn from existing budget allocations, a point confirmed by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.

Narube accused the Prime Minister of prioritizing personal political survival over the financial well-being of the public. According to him, the recent reshuffle has resulted in an already bloated cabinet now comprising 34 members, many of whom were not elected by the coalition parties, raising concerns about their legitimacy. He dismissed Rabuka’s attempts to justify the expansion as a means to enhance efficiency and redistribute responsibilities as politically motivated rather than aimed at genuine governance improvements.

This expansion has met with significant public dissatisfaction, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing economic challenges in Fiji. Opposition leaders, including Premila Kumar and Mahendra Chaudhry, have echoed Narube’s sentiments, labeling the cabinet increase as unnecessary and a misallocation of resources that could have been better directed toward public services.

Despite the backlash and public outcry, the government insists that this reshuffle is essential for addressing the increasing responsibilities of current ministers and improving governance. Prime Minister Rabuka has maintained that the restructuring will focus on critical societal issues and allow for a better-managed cabinet.

While there are concerns about the financial implications and the necessity of the cabinet expansion, there is cautious optimism that, if managed effectively, this restructuring could lead to enhanced governance. Continued public scrutiny and engagement may drive accountability, with hopes that the changes will lead to meaningful reforms that align more closely with the needs of the citizens of Fiji.

In summary, while the cabinet reshuffle has sparked considerable debate and concern, there remains a possibility for positive change, offering an opportunity for the government to demonstrate its commitment to serving the interests of the Fijian people during challenging times.