Power Play: Is Fiji’s PM Overstepping His Bounds?

Opposition MP Premila Kumar has expressed serious concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s decision to assume additional portfolios, specifically Immigration and Police, alongside his existing responsibilities. Kumar questioned the government’s confidence in its team, pointing out that with nearly all Members of Parliament holding a ministerial or assistant ministerial role, power could be more effectively distributed among them.

She emphasized that governance should aim at delivering results, which requires focused leadership. Kumar noted that the Prime Minister’s attempt to manage critical areas such as Foreign Affairs, Climate Change, and now Immigration and Police could lead to him being overstretched and ultimately ineffective. According to her, each portfolio requires dedicated attention to handle emerging challenges adequately.

Furthermore, Kumar drew attention to the government’s restructuring efforts, such as dividing the Ministry of Defence and the Attorney General’s role, suggesting that these changes might complicate administration without providing measurable enhancements in service delivery. She highlighted multiple pressing issues in Fiji, including rising living costs, healthcare struggles, drug problems, and workforce shortages, indicating that the Prime Minister’s strategy of consolidating power may hinder the government’s ability to tackle these challenges directly.

Kumar advocated for a shift towards empowering the larger government team by allowing ministers to manage their specific portfolios effectively. She called for better governance through delegation and accountability, criticizing the Prime Minister for maintaining a concentration of power that undermines these principles. Additionally, she suggested that underperforming ministers should be relieved of their duties to better allocate taxpayer resources and focus on urgent national concerns.

In summary, Kumar’s statements reflect a call for a more collaborative governmental approach that prioritizes effective management and accountability over centralized control. By advocating for more delegation of responsibilities, there is hope that the government could enhance its responsiveness to the pressing needs of the citizens, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in leadership for a more effective governance structure.