The recent appointment of three new Government ministers and three assistant ministers by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has ignited public discontent, with many questioning the financial implications for taxpayers already grappling with economic challenges. In defense of his decisions, Prime Minister Rabuka stated that the reshuffle was necessary for enhancing the efficiency of government operations. He acknowledged that existing ministers were overwhelmed by their responsibilities and that by reallocating some of his portfolios, he could improve governance.

Rabuka expressed concerns about the capabilities of his key Cabinet members to manage the increasing demands independently, suggesting that the government needed focused attention on vital matters. He stated, “I’ve been overloaded… We just felt that some of them are probably overloaded.” By appointing dedicated ministers to specific portfolios, he hopes to foster more effective leadership and responsiveness.

Despite the backlash from opposition members such as Premila Kumar, who labeled the appointment as a “sham,” Rabuka remains resolute, seeking to assure the public that funding for the newly created roles would be sourced from the existing 2024/2025 National Budget. Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, confirmed that he is exploring ways to manage the funding without imposing additional burdens on current operations.

As Rabuka aims to lead the government through its remaining term successfully, the hope is that these changes will not only enhance accountability and performance but also signify a commitment to improving the public service delivery prioritizing the needs of Fijians. The administration’s ability to address public concerns effectively and maintain fiscal responsibility may ultimately determine its future support among citizens as they head towards the upcoming election.

In summary, while the appointments have stirred controversy, there is an optimistic potential for improved governance and dedication to public service that could result from this cabinet expansion. Moving forward, continuous scrutiny and dialogue may spark necessary reforms that align the government’s actions more closely with the expectations of the Fijian people.