DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad has questioned the claims made by Unity Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube and some ‘other irrelevant politicians’, stating he is unsure where they got the idea that the Government cannot do anything about the cost of living.
Professor Prasad said this in response to the comments made by Mr Narube, criticising the Government for prioritising pay increases while ordinary families suffer.
Mr Narube claimed the Government had failed to adequately address rising living costs, escalating corruption, the growing drug epidemic, and soaring national debt.
“The cost of living is rising yet the Minister of Finance says that the Government is unable to do anything and blames the people for their high expectations,” Mr Narube said.
“Corruption is increasing yet the Government does not have a plan to fight this war.
“Drugs are threatening the future of our children, yet the Government has not addressed all its components.
“Debt is still rising yet the Minister of Finance blames the high expectations of the people.”
In response, Prof Prasad said the economy was growing strongly at around 3.8 per cent, inflation had been slowing down, investments were picking up, businesses were thriving, and tourism was booming.
“With our decisive macroeconomic management, we have put debt on a path of sustainability,” Prof Prasad said.
Prof Prasad said Mr Narube had not produced a single practical idea to address these issues.
“On the contrary, he makes this absurd assertion that the Government has not delivered on its promises.
“This is contrary to what we have done in the past two years.
“I can understand his desperation to stay relevant.
“I suggest that he as a former governor of RBF do an honest assessment of the data, of our policies and refer to our citizens’ guide to the budget before he makes these wild and ridiculous statements.”
Prof Prasad said income levels were rising and living standards were improving.
He said they had injected more money towards health, water, drainage, agriculture, and other key priority areas.
“On drugs, we have formed the Narcotics Bureau and with multi-stakeholder collaboration, we are exposing billions of dollars in drug busts.
“We are working on drug rehab centres with corrections services and the Ministry of Health.
“We are creating more awareness and a coordinated approach to fight against drugs with the involvement of families, schools, religious bodies, NGOs, development partners and Government.”
