Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has expressed significant concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s recent decision to take on additional responsibilities, specifically in the areas of Immigration and Police. Kumar argues that this move raises questions about the Prime Minister’s confidence in the capabilities of his cabinet members.
In her statement, Kumar pointed out that with every coalition government MP already holding a ministerial or assistant ministerial position, the consolidation of power within the Prime Minister’s office seems unnecessary. She emphasizes that given the extensive pool of ministers, responsibilities could be more effectively distributed, allowing for enhanced focus and accountability across different sectors.
Kumar argues that governance is fundamentally about achieving results, which requires focused leadership. She warns that by attempting to oversee critical ministries like Foreign Affairs, Climate Change, Environment, and now Immigration and Police, the Prime Minister risks becoming overstretched. Each ministry demands its own dedicated attention and expertise, and it may be unrealistic to expect anyone to manage such a wide array of responsibilities effectively.
The restructuring of ministries, such as the recent splitting of the Ministry of Defence, mirrors previous moves like separating the Attorney General’s role from the Ministry of Justice. Kumar claims that these actions introduce unnecessary complexity into the government without yielding noticeable improvements in service delivery.
Highlighting the pressing challenges facing Fiji—such as rising living costs, struggles in healthcare, and issues related to law and order—Kumar argues that the Prime Minister’s approach to concentrate power hampers the government’s ability to tackle these urgent issues head-on.
Kumar encourages the Prime Minister to empower his ministers to devote their attention to their respective portfolios, claiming that good governance relies on delegation, accountability, and results. She insists that it’s crucial for the Prime Minister to reconsider his strategy of consolidating power, advocating instead for a leadership style that encourages trust and autonomy within his team. Additionally, she has called for the immediate reassessment of underperforming ministers, questioning the efficacy of continuing to finance those who do not contribute meaningfully to pressing national issues.
This situation illustrates a broader discussion about governance efficiency and the importance of trust within governmental structures. By empowering ministers and allowing for more balanced distribution of responsibilities, the government could potentially achieve better outcomes for the citizens it serves.
In summary, the call for enhanced delegation and accountability could pave the way for a more efficient and responsive government that is better equipped to address both current and emerging challenges. This situation could also serve as an opportunity for the Prime Minister to recalibrate his approach and foster a more collaborative and effective governmental environment.
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