Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has hit back at political party leaders criticising excessive overseas travel, saying it is easy to make promises from the sidelines without carrying the responsibility of leading the country.
Mr Rabuka made the comments while defending the need for international engagements, with Fiji Government records showing total expenditure of $141,849.20 on his overseas travel.
“I also hear political party leaders saying there is too much overseas travel and that they would reduce it if they were in Government.
“It is easy to make those statements from the sidelines. But when you carry the responsibility of being Prime Minister, you understand that representing a country goes beyond its borders,” Mr Rabuka said.
He said international engagements were sometimes necessary to protect Fiji’s national interests and secure opportunities for its people.
Mr Rabuka also had a message for those aspiring to become prime minister, saying their perspectives could change once they assumed the responsibilities of the office.
“Those aspiring to lead Fiji may have their views today, but when they eventually sit in that office, they will understand the responsibility of ensuring our country is represented where important decisions are made.”
He said Fiji could not expect to have a strong international voice without participating in discussions where important decisions were made.
“You cannot expect Fiji to have a strong voice at the international table if its leaders are not prepared to sit at that table.”
Mr Rabuka acknowledged public concerns over government spending, saying taxpayers had every right to question how public funds were used.
“I do not take the responsibility of spending public money lightly. Every dollar is taxpayers’ money, and people have every right to question how it is spent.”
He said he welcomed public scrutiny and would continue making information available to help Fijians understand decisions made on their behalf.
“My responsibility is to represent Fiji at home and abroad, strengthen our partnerships and pursue opportunities that benefit our people,” he said.
“Leadership means being accountable to the people of Fiji, while ensuring Fiji is represented, respected and heard beyond our shores.”
