Dialogue Fiji Criticizes Cabinet Growth and Pay Increases

Dialogue Fiji has raised concerns about the Prime Minister's decision to increase the Cabinet to a record 36 Ministers and Assistant Ministers.

Executive Director Nilesh Lal questioned the necessity of such a large Cabinet, suggesting a more appropriate size would be between 12 to 15 Ministers, given the population and legislature of Fiji.

Lal also criticized the decision to increase MPs' salaries last year, with Ministers now earning a minimum of $200,000 and Assistant Ministers $120,000, creating the largest ministerial pay bill in Fiji’s history.

He pointed out that this expansion comes when ordinary Fijians are facing tough economic measures, like the 6% VAT hike.

Lal raised concerns about the unclear roles of Assistant Ministers and questioned whether the Cabinet growth truly serves the public interest.

Lal further emphasized that important issues like poverty, the high cost of living, and poor healthcare should take priority, rather than expanding the Cabinet.

He also condemned the treatment of Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who lost his portfolios despite offering to step down over an issue.

Dialogue Fiji is calling on the government to focus on addressing the country's critical needs and to reconsider this approach to governance.