Opposition MP Premila Kumar has launched a scathing attack on former Finance Minister and National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad, questioning why he is only now raising concerns about government finances after leaving Cabinet.
Kumar said Prasad must explain his role in decisions that led to increased government borrowing, higher taxes and rising national debt while he served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance.
“Is Biman Prasad raising these concerns now because he is no longer in Cabinet, or because it is election campaign season?” Kumar asked.
She challenged Prasad to match his criticism of government spending with action, suggesting the NFP withdraw its MPs from the coalition government.
“Why can’t Hon. Prasad walk the talk by pulling out NFP MPs from the government? That will reduce the size of the government by four MPs.”
Kumar questioned why the Government borrowed heavily despite strong revenue collections and the absence of major national emergencies.
“Why $2 billion was borrowed despite strong revenue collections, no pandemic, no major cyclone, and no significant nation-building infrastructure projects?”
She also accused Prasad of failing to reduce government debt despite promises to do so.
“Why did he impose hardship on ordinary Fijians through higher VAT, increased corporate taxes, and a range of additional duties, fees, and fines when not a single cent went towards reducing debt?”
“Instead the government debt grew from $9 billion to more than $11 billion. Why hasn’t debt been reduced as he promised?”
Kumar said Government spending under Prasad’s tenure was heavily skewed towards operational costs, claiming 81 per cent of the national budget was consumed by recurrent expenditure.
“Under the Bainimarama Government only 60 per cent of the budget was used for operational expense.”
She also questioned Prasad’s recent criticism of the size of government, noting he served as one of three Deputy Prime Ministers.
“And how can he now question the size of government when he served as one of three Deputy Prime Ministers in a country with less than one million people?”
Kumar said Prasad was now criticising policies that he helped formulate and defend while serving in Cabinet.
“The real hypocrisy is that Hon. Prasad is now criticising decisions and policies that he helped design, approve, and defend while serving as Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.”
“It is easy to speak out now as a back bencher, but leadership is about taking responsibility for the choices made while in position.”
She said before offering advice on economic management, Prasad should account for the increase in taxes, debt and government spending during his time as Finance Minister.
“Before giving any advice, he should explain why taxes increased, debt grew, borrowing surged, and government spending remained unchecked under his watch.”
