Maharaj Slams Government Over Drug Crisis and ‘Public Grandstanding’

Opposition Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj had launched a scathing attack on the Coalition Government, accusing it of deflecting blame and failing to deliver results in the fight against drug abuse in Fiji.

In a strongly worded statement, Maharaj claimed that recent public remarks by a government minister were not examples of accountability but rather “a desperate attempt to rewrite history.”

He alleged the minister was avoiding parliamentary scrutiny and resorting to “public grandstanding” to shift focus from her government’s shortcomings.

“It’s interesting to see that empty vessels from the government side have started making noise all of a sudden,” Maharaj said. “Escaping from oral questions and converting them to ministerial statements has become the norm for this minister.”

Maharaj also alleged that the minister had engaged a speechwriter—funded by taxpayers—to target opposition MPs through public statements, saying the move reflected “fear of supplementary questions” in Parliament.

Addressing the government’s approach to drug policy, the opposition MP pointed to what he described as a crucial gap between the disbanding of the Police Anti-Drug Unit under the previous administration and the later establishment of the National Counter Narcotic Bureau.

“Under our leadership, we had an Anti-Drug Unit with the Fiji Police Force. That was dismantled in the name of reform. It took two years for this government to form a new bureau—and during that time, substance abuse surged,” he said.

Maharaj claimed the previous administration took “decisive action” by launching awareness campaigns, strengthening enforcement, and investing in rehabilitation. He argued the situation had worsened under the current government despite it having “more power and more resources.”

“It’s interesting to see that people appointed by her government to the so-called National Counter Narcotic Bureau have been charged with illegal drug importation,” he added, questioning the government’s credibility on accountability and anti-corruption.

“Where’s the accountability for their own ministers embroiled in scandals?” he asked. “They demand apologies, yet they’ve broken every promise on corruption—no action, just noise.”

Maharaj concluded by calling on the government to focus on delivering its own drug policies rather than dwelling on the past.

“Fiji deserves action, not excuses. Step up or step aside,” he said.