‘Stop playing politics and get on with the job’

THE Coalition Government has disregarded proper channels and appointed their own people in key positions says Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu.

In a statement, the FijiFirst MP urged the Coalition to “stop playing politics and get on with the job!”

He said the Government had lost focus on fighting for what was right for the people of Fiji because “they are very much concentrating on how each Coalition partner is fighting for their own survival to remain in government”.

“Fourteen months of being in power, the people of Fiji have become victims of the petty politics within the Coalition Government.

“In playing our oversight role as Opposition to scrutinise the Government of the day, we are calling on the Government to get your house in order and focus on what matters to the people of Fiji.

“As the Government of the day, what type of national discipline are we trying to show the people of Fiji when even some of your ministers and assistant ministers are either investigated or questioned.”

Mr Seruiratu said post 2006, the Bainimarama government came under fire for “militarisation” of the civil service.

However, he said the Coalition Government had “heavily politicised” appointments, which was reflected in the top echelons of the civil service, public enterprise boards and diplomatic appointments.

“These postings are obvious, cannot be denied and cannot be hidden. It sends the message that the insecure Coalition government is simply extending its tentacles to exert control over the machineries of governance.

“Party supporters, sympathisers, financiers, unsuccessful election candidates and friends are continuing to be appointed and fill posts as highlighted. Isn’t this cronyism?

“The result of all of these will be evident through poor service delivery, weakened institutions and increase in brain drain because people no longer trust the systems and processes in place.”