Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar has criticized the Government for what she describes as impulsive decision-making, following the transfer of the Fiji National University (FNU) to the Office of the Prime Minister, which was then reversed and returned to the Ministry of Education.
Ms. Kumar’s remarks highlight a perceived indecision at the uppermost levels of leadership, particularly questioning the governance style under Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. “This is not a mere administrative adjustment,” she stated, arguing that such a situation illustrates a troubling lack of direction.
She raised concerns about the decision-making process, emphasizing the inconsistency of moving FNU under the Prime Minister’s office through a verbal directive, only to have that decision swiftly undone. Kumar insists that such actions erode public confidence in leadership. “If the Prime Minister himself cannot stand by his own decisions, on what basis can he demand discipline from his Cabinet or accountability from public servants?” she questioned.
Kumar further asserted that FNU should not be used as a political pawn, lamenting that it seems to be treated as “a political football to be kicked from one ministry to another at the whim of the Prime Minister’s mood.” She warned that the Office of the Prime Minister needs to exemplify certainty and authority, suggesting that frequent reversals only compound indications of weakened leadership.
“In the eyes of the public, what they are witnessing is hesitation and a lack of firm leadership,” she concluded. Kumar’s comments underscore ongoing concerns regarding the governance and direction of the current administration, urging for a more stable and principled approach to leadership.