Opposition MP Premila Kumar has voiced significant concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s recent decision to take on additional portfolios, particularly the roles of Immigration and Police. She argues that this move raises questions about the Prime Minister’s confidence in the abilities of his Cabinet and suggests that consolidating power in one office may not be in the best interest of governance.
Kumar contends that with the Coalition Government comprising a sizable team of ministers—excluding only one member who does not hold a ministerial position—responsibilities could be more effectively shared among them. She emphasizes that distributing these roles would lead to enhanced focus, oversight, and accountability within each portfolio.
Highlighting the numerous critical areas the Prime Minister now oversees—including Foreign Affairs, Climate Change, Environment, Civil Service, Information, Public Enterprises, alongside Immigration and Police—Kumar warns that he risks overextending himself. The demands of these ministries necessitate specialized attention and quick responses to challenges, which one individual may struggle to manage effectively.
She draws parallels between the current situation and past organizational changes, such as the separation of the Ministry of Defence and the division of the Attorney General’s role from that of the Ministry of Justice, suggesting that these decisions have historically added administrative complexity without clear benefits to service delivery.
Kumar reflects on pressing national issues like the rising cost of living, healthcare difficulties, drug-related problems, and the brain drain from crucial sectors such as education and health. She insists that concentrating authority in a few ministries detracts from tackling these pressing challenges effectively.
As a call to action, Kumar urges the Prime Minister to trust his team in addressing their respective portfolios and to foster a governance model characterized by delegation, accountability, and tangible results. She also highlights the need for immediate action against underperforming officials, questioning the wisdom of using taxpayer money to support those who seem more engaged in international travel than in addressing urgent domestic concerns.
This critique raises essential questions about leadership, efficiency, and the importance of collaborative governance. Empowering a broader range of ministers to manage their portfolios effectively might not only enhance service delivery but also reconnect the government with the pressing needs of the populace. A hopeful perspective suggests that by redistributing responsibilities, the government could foster innovation and responsiveness, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for all citizens.
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