Rabuka faces reshuffle criticism

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's de­cision to appoint seven independent Members of Parliament, formerly of the FijiFirst party, as ministers and assis­tant minister has sparked both approval and sharp criticism.

On Friday, the new appointees were sworn in:

■ Viliame Naupoto-Minister for Immigra­tion,

■ Ioane Naivalurua-Minister for Policing,

■ Mosese Bulitavu-Minister for Environ­ment and Climate Change.

■ Aliki Bia-Assistant Minister for Informa­tion,

■ Josaia Niudamu-Assistant Minister for Justice,

■ Naisa Tuinaceva-Assistant Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services, and Transport.

Penioni Ravunawa-Assistant Minister for Health (to be sworn-in next week).

The cabinet reshuffle has intensified debate over the Government's priorities amid Fiji's pressing socio-economic challenges.

Mr Rabuka said the cabinet expansion would facilitate a review of the 2013 Constitution, de­spite falling short of the 75 per cent parliamen­tary majority required.

Former civil servant and diplomat Jioji Koto­balavu described the move as "a smart one," highlighting its potential to strengthen gov­ernment capacity.

However, critics have voiced strong objec­tions. Former PM Mahendra Chaudhry called the expansion "irresponsible," saying, "It is unjustified given the dire state of the economy and public finances."

Executive director of Dialogue Fiji, Nilesh Lal, noted the proportion of MPs in ministe­rial roles is unprecedented.

He added: "At a time when poverty, the high cost of living, escalating crime, deteriorating infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare de­mand urgent attention, this expansion seems misguided."

Vani Catanasiga, executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services, acknowledged the potential benefits of speeding up reforms in areas like climate change and policing but cautioned, "It will come at a heavy cost to tax­payers."

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