Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has taken aim at the Opposition in Parliament, calling on them to stop “spreading doom and gloom” and instead acknowledge the government’s economic achievements.
He likened the situation to choosing what stories are told around a grog bowl.
“We, under this Prime Minister and this government, have provided the most transparent, accountable, independent assessment of what’s happening in the economy,” Prof Prasad said during a heated exchange.
“The problem with the Opposition is they don’t like good news.”
He urged MPs to give credit where it’s due.
“Sometimes, if you praise the good news, accept the good news it’s good for you.”
Prof Prasad highlighted what he called clear indicators of progress.
These were three consecutive years of economic growth, a falling inflation rate, and signs that the cost of living pressures are beginning to ease.
He dismissed claims that prices continue to spiral, arguing that such statements do not reflect the data or the on-the-ground situation.
“If you ask someone about the price of butter, they’ll say it’s gone up but that doesn’t mean everything is,” he said.
“You can’t come into Parliament and say the cost of goods are going up across the board. That’s not a responsible statement.”
He defended the work of the Price Surveillance Taskforce, saying while they can’t police every small corner shop, there is a national effort to ensure businesses pass on savings to consumers.
“The government’s policies are working. The results are showing. There is a good story for Fiji. Talk about the good story. Don’t go and lie to the people.”
