The recent appointment of three new ministers and three assistant ministers by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has ignited public outrage, with taxpayers questioning the financial burden amidst existing economic struggles.
The three Members of Parliament who took their oaths of office as Cabinet Ministers before His Excellency the President, Turaga Bale Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, are:
- Iowane Naivalurua as the Minister for Policing,
- Viliame Naupoto as the Minister for Immigration, and
- Mosese Drecala Bulitavu as the Minister for Environment and Climate Change.
The Assistant Ministers sworn in are:
- Naisa Tatau Tuinaceva as the Assistant Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport,
- Aliki Bia as the Assistant Minister for Information, and
- Ratu Josaia Bulavakarua Niudamu as the Assistant Minister for Justice.
Critics argue the expanded Cabinet is unnecessary for a nation of Fiji’s size, especially during a period of austerity.
Defending his decision, PM Rabuka stated that the changes aimed to improve government efficiency by alleviating workload pressures. He explained that some ministers were overloaded, including himself, and that the reshuffle was necessary to ensure efficiency in governance.
“Today’s events to me, are a blessing for the nation, and speaks to the patriotism of the Group of Nine and the steps that we must take as individuals to work to unite our nation.”
The new ministers will assume portfolios previously held by the Prime Minister, allowing him to focus on broader leadership responsibilities. Dismissing speculation that the reshuffle weakens the Opposition, he maintained that effective governance does not depend on numbers.
Funding for the new appointments, according to PM Rabuka, would come from within the existing budget.
Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad confirmed this, noting that several ministries already had office spaces and staff in place, minimising additional costs. For newly established portfolios, such as policing, structural needs will be assessed.
Public criticism has been swift, with Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal labelling the Cabinet expansion excessive. He argued that such a move is unjustified for a nation of Fiji’s population size, particularly at a time when citizens are facing a 66% VAT hike and other austerity measures.
Additionally, Lal questioned the ambiguous roles of assistant ministers and accused the government of focusing on political consolidation rather than addressing urgent issues such as poverty, rising costs, and deteriorating infrastructure.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar called the reshuffle a sham, alleging it rewards underperforming ministers at taxpayers’ expense. She described the move as a betrayal of public trust, accusing the government of prioritising alliances over accountability.
Former opposition leader Mick Beddoes also questioned the political motives behind the inclusion of six independent MPs in the Cabinet, suggesting it could be a strategy to consolidate power.
The Group of Nine (G9) were formerly members of a political party, which is now de-registered, so they have become independent members of Parliament under the Political Parties Act.
Despite the additional parliamentary support gained through the reshuffle, PM Rabuka admitted that his government still falls short of the 75% threshold required to amend the 2013 Constitution. He emphasised the importance of constitutional reform and pledged to pursue it through democratic means.
“I am glad to say that they have coalesced into the Group of Nine, and after a few weeks of talks, they have now joined the Coalition Government.”
While the government justifies the reshuffle as a step towards improved efficiency, public scepticism remains high. Critics argue the move reflects misplaced priorities at a time when Fijians are grappling with significant economic and social challenges. Whether the reshuffle will deliver on its promises or deepen public disillusionment remains to be seen.
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