EDITORIAL: 'Stupid Question'
For the past two years, he has shamelessly vented his distaste for this newspaper, without even so much of an effort to build bridges in the way his colleagues have.
Tuesday 27 February 2024 | 10:00
Minister for Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad. Photo: Leon Lord
Deputy Prime Minister and head of public coffers Biman Prasad had the makings of statesmanship.
His term in Opposition pointed strongly toward that.
Some even wanted him as Prime Minister.
Related stories
His dress sense and fact-presentation spoke of a deep sense of eloquence.
He was always calm, collected, factual, and precise.
He convinced the country that an increase in value added tax was necessary to reduce national debt levels.
His role in facilitating the return and burial of the late historian Dr Brij Lal, and the national promise to reduce the cost of lamb chops, were among some of his recent landmark moves.
More than most, and on many levels, Prasad was a man with so much promise.
Minister for Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad. Photo: Leon Lord
For someone who should take pride in his role as a statesman and head of a high office in Government, Prasad has gone from a near promise of being just that, to a completely “rude” and “arrogant” minister, as he openly displays lack of character.
You cannot hold on to grudges for so long in your quest to become a statesman, just as you cannot ask us to send you written queries only for you to send your responses to every other media organisation but the one asking.
As recent as yesterday, his response to our query about whether value added tax (VAT) would go up, or down, and the chances of scraping the three per cent duty on imports, was plain embarrassing.
It’s not a silly question. Nor is it a soup question.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
https://poll.app.do/embed/fiji-s-current-inflation-levels-in-2024
