Government Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has voiced strong criticism against the alleged use of parliamentary committee field visits for political campaigning. During a parliamentary session, Tuisawau expressed his concern that certain Members of Parliament have been utilizing committee outreach efforts not only to collect feedback from their supporters but also to disseminate political narratives and exaggerated claims.
He highlighted a specific instance where MPs projected pervasive issues related to infrastructure, such as the notion that potholes are rampant on roads across the country. Tuisawau refuted this assertion, labelling it as a distortion, explaining that the claims being made paint an unrealistic picture of reality.
Ro Filipe additionally criticized the tendency of opposition MPs to lean heavily on hearsay when discussing national issues in parliament, suggesting that these could be attempts to campaign under the guise of committee work rather than deliver factual accounts. He underscored the importance of not misusing committee visits to initiate false growth narratives within communities and cautioned against spreading unfounded rumors.
Highlighting efforts to address longstanding problems, the Minister stood by the current government’s record, acknowledging the strides made to rectify issues over the past three years. He reminded parliament that many of these problems extend back 16 years, pre-dating the current administration.
This criticism ties into a broader discourse on political accountability in Fiji, reflective of similar disputes over governmental transparency and integrity. Despite the criticism, the ongoing debate provides an opportunity for the government’s approach to fostering more effective governance, prioritizing transparency, and enhancing public trust in political leadership. Continued discourse may lead to reforms and bolster governance, which is essential for cultivating public confidence and ensuring improved living conditions for all Fijians.