THE Government is free to pursue legal action if they believe there was economic mismanagement during the last administration’s tenure, says Opposition MP and former FijiFirst Cabinet minister Premila Kumar.
Her statement comes amid remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica in the media recently about economic mismanagement during FijiFirst’s time in office.
Ms Kumar labelled this a “tired excuse”.
“Let’s be clear — these are just allegations,” she said.
“If he genuinely believes there was mismanagement, he should take it to court and ensure those responsible are charged.
“If the Bainimarama government mismanaged the economy for 16 years, then how did we achieve nine years of economic growth, GDP doubling from $6billion to almost $12b, GDP per capita rising from $6600 to over $13,000, which means higher income for Fijians.”
Ms Kumar said under FijiFirst, foreign reserves hit $3.6b compared with $500million in 2006 and the poverty rate dropped to 24.1 per cent.
She said the reduction of PAYE tax from 28 per cent to 20 per cent, the 9 per cent VAT and making 21 essential items duty free were not reckless governance.
She asked what the Coalition Government had done and questioned the VAT and corporate tax increase, having 36 ministers which has led to a bloated government and lavish overseas trips and salary increases despite the election promise of cutting ministerial salaries.
“The Government blames ‘imported inflation’ — but makes it worse with higher VAT and corporate taxes.
“It’s common sense: When imported inflation is high, you don’t make things worse by increasing duties and taxes, further worsening the cost of living and the cost of doing business. Now Fijians are paying the price.
“Hon Kamikamica and his government must own up to their policy failures.”
