Opposition Calls for Action, Not Rhetoric, on Social Issues and Budget Priorities

The Opposition has called on the government to go beyond promises and deliver tangible results on pressing social issues such as drug abuse, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and poverty, saying that Fijians are tired of political point-scoring and failed service delivery.

In a statement issued today, Opposition MP Hon. Alvick Maharaj said while his party welcomes the government’s commitment to enhancing social protection programs, it believes the real measure of success lies in “action, transparency, and measurable outcomes.”

“As the Opposition, we strongly agree that addressing critical social issues like drug abuse, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and poverty must be a top national priority. These challenges are affecting the daily lives of many ordinary Fijians, and urgent, coordinated action is necessary,” Maharaj said.

He commended the Deputy Prime Minister’s remarks on tackling these issues “head-on,” but added that such declarations must be followed with effective policy execution.

“We all know that the government had failed miserably when it comes to service delivery,” Maharaj said. “It is not helpful to continuously blame previous governments for every current challenge. These are long-standing, complex issues that require long-term vision, bipartisan cooperation, and robust policy execution.”

Highlighting the rise in drug abuse and the transmission of HIV, Maharaj urged the government to prioritize grassroots education, rehabilitation programs, and community policing, in partnership with faith-based organizations and civil society.

On economic concerns, he said the Opposition looks forward to details in the upcoming national budget, especially measures aimed at easing the cost of living and increasing support for vulnerable populations.

“Fiji’s vulnerable populations need consistent and sufficient support, not one-off measures,” he said.

Maharaj also cautioned the government on its move from stimulus-driven spending to what the Finance Minister has described as “responsible financial management,” saying fiscal discipline must be balanced with investment in public services, job creation, and rural development.

“Fiscal discipline should never come at the cost of social justice,” he said.

The Opposition reaffirmed its commitment to closely scrutinize the upcoming budget to ensure that it serves the interests of all Fijians, especially the disadvantaged.