Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has harshly criticized the recent cabinet expansion undertaken by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, asserting that the appointments of new ministers and assistant ministers will impose an estimated $3 million burden on taxpayers. Narube stated that this financial commitment will be drawn from existing budget allocations, a point confirmed by Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad.
Narube characterized the Prime Minister’s actions as prioritizing his political survival at the cost of the public, arguing that the reshuffle extends an already bloated cabinet, which now includes 34 members, many of whom were not elected by the coalition parties. He dismissed Rabuka’s rationale for the reshuffle, pegged to improving governance and redistributing workloads, as politically motivated rather than aimed at enhancing effective administration.
The cabinet expansion has ignited widespread public dissatisfaction, reflected in criticisms from various opposition figures, including Premila Kumar and Mahendra Chaudhry. They have condemned the move as unnecessary and indicative of poor resource allocation, particularly as Fiji faces ongoing economic struggles and rising living costs.
Despite this backlash, the government maintains its stance that the reshuffle is essential for addressing the increasing responsibilities of current ministers and ensuring effective governance. Prime Minister Rabuka insists that these changes will improve the government’s focus on critical societal issues.
In summary, while the cabinet expansion has stirred considerable debate over its financial impact and necessity, there remains cautious optimism. If the restructuring is managed diligently, it may lead to positive enhancements in governance, potentially aligning more closely with the needs of the Fijian people. The hope is that ongoing public scrutiny and engagement can catalyze meaningful reforms and accountability in government operations.
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