Opposition MP Premila Kumar has expressed grave concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s recent decision to assume additional responsibilities by taking on the portfolios of Immigration and Police. This move raises questions about the Prime Minister’s trust in the capabilities of his existing government team.
In her statement, Kumar highlighted the apparent over-concentration of power within a single office, suggesting that if the government believes in its collective talent, the responsibilities should not rest solely on one individual. With every member of the Coalition Government, except one, already holding ministerial or assistant ministerial roles, she argues that responsibilities could be more evenly distributed. This would not only foster specialized attention but also enhance oversight and accountability in various sectors.
She emphasized that effective governance is about delivering results, which requires concentrated leadership. Kumar warned that the Prime Minister’s overlapping responsibilities, which include crucial ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Climate Change, and now Immigration and Police, could lead to a dilution of focus. She argues that it’s unrealistic to expect one person to handle the demanding nature of these roles adequately.
Kumar further pointed out that the recent restructuring of certain ministries, including the split of Defence into separate roles for Immigration and Police, reflects a trend seen with the Attorney General’s separation from the Ministry of Justice. Such changes introduce more administrative complexity without necessarily improving service delivery.
Addressing pressing national matters, such as the increasing cost of living, healthcare challenges, drug-related issues, and a significant brain drain in vital sectors like education and health, Kumar believes that the Prime Minister’s focus on consolidating power detracts from tackling these critical problems effectively.
In her view, it’s imperative to prioritize public needs by empowering the broader team of ministers. She advocates for a governance model centered around delegation, accountability, and results. She cornered the Prime Minister to reconsider his concentration of power to foster team ownership of their respective portfolios.
Kumar concluded her remarks by calling for immediate action against those ministers and assistant ministers who are allegedly underperforming, questioning why resources are being wasted on officials whose focus appears to stray towards international engagements rather than domestic challenges.
In summary, Kumar’s comments encapsulate a broader call for a more decentralized approach to governance, aiming for mobilized efforts that prioritize the welfare of citizens over concentrated power.
This commentary could serve as a positive push for government reform, implying that by redistributing responsibilities, the administration can better address the immediate needs of the population and improve overall service delivery.
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