Opposition MP Premila Kumar has voiced significant concerns regarding the Prime Minister’s recent decision to take direct control of a national educational institution. Kumar warns that this action may undermine governance, accountability, and could allow for political interference in the education sector.
In her statement, Kumar highlighted that educational institutions should operate independently and be professionally managed, free from political influences. She stated, “Education is too important to be politicised,” and insisted that any intervention from the Prime Minister must be justifiable and temporary.
While acknowledging that reforms may be needed in certain situations, Kumar cautioned that bypassing established governance structures could set a concerning precedent for future operations. She argued for addressing any genuine governance or performance issues through transparent processes, rather than resorting to an executive takeover.
Kumar also questioned the rationale for excluding the relevant ministry and statutory boards from their oversight responsibilities, emphasizing the public’s right to understand the underlying issues that prompted this decision. “The public deserves clarity on what went wrong, who is responsible, and why existing accountability mechanisms were deemed insufficient,” she said.
She has called on the government to provide detailed information about this decision, including its legal basis, the expected duration of the takeover, and the specific goals it aims to achieve. Kumar reiterated that rebuilding confidence in Fiji’s education sector requires stability, independence, and respect for institutional autonomy, especially as the nation works to regain trust in its public institutions.
The Opposition MP has urged the government to rethink this controversial move and ensure that any reforms are aligned with democratic values and sound governance practices. There is a collective hope for a transparent approach that promotes trust and stability within Fiji’s educational landscape.