Opposition budget
MY fellow Sydneysider, Jan Nissar wonders if the Opposition parties in Fiji “are capable of preparing and presenting an alternative budget?” (FT 24/07).
Suppose, for argument’s sake, an Opposition party becomes the government after the next election, who will prepare and present the budget then?
It won’t be Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, will it?
RAJEND NAIDU
Sydney, Australia sector for future economic growth. The business sector has generally come out in support as the budget does not affect its bottom line. It is the duty that Government would have derived to assist the other sectors that have been impacted.
But it seems the Government will now use borrowed money for this purpose. I believe business tycoons and organisations comprising these have been trying to raise their voices in favour of the budget.
I believe what is most surprising is the lack of independent and neutral views on the budget from experts, thinktanks and institutions. I wonder if this is because of the lack of opportunity provided by the mainstream media such as TV and radio, or the inability to contribute to this important discussion. I must applaud The Fiji Times for providing the opportunity for readers through its open columns as well as from commentators all across the divide. This is a sign of healthy journalism.
We seem to have bodies like the Institute of Accountants, Commerce Commission, Consumer Council, Chamber of Commerce et cetera and individuals whose views are well known, which seem to be getting all the airtime.
It was refreshing to hear the views of some of the women’s groups, NGOs, and community groups.
However the lack of any opinion from our religious organisations are deafening. It is also ironical that our tertiary institutions such as USP, FNU and UniFiji, which are supposedly teaching all the theory relating to budget, economics, finance, development, et cetera., do not have anything to contribute.
Isn’t this an opportunity for the academics, researchers and governance gurus to comment on real national issues objectively and with authority to provide the people some “other” views. Or do we continue to engage in our “ivory tower” research, insulated from the real world and earning huge packages which includes inducements and of course salaries untouched by any austerity since, in the case of USP at least, they are “regional”.
It is also interesting that ministries such as agriculture, health, iTaukei affairs, rural development etc., are silent on the implications of the budget, when they have been pontificating about major policy initiatives for their sectors. To this end, the opinions from the Opposition parties such as NFP, FLP and Unity Fiji have been commendable. I wish SODELPA as the largest Opposition party had something to say on these issues too!
I also wonder why UN bodies and other international agencies and, even universities, could not provide a forum for the public to come and air their views on the budget which will almost certainly be passed by Parliament, notwithstanding the grandstanding next week!
It is not hard to get people representing different walks of life, including Government, to debate and participate in robust discussions. Surely this is what accountability, democracy and transparency are all about.
ALTAUF CHAND
Minto, NSW, Australia the Ba goalmouth again and again. Before taking the breather, Nadi had taken the lead 2-0. When the second half resumed, Nadi’s pressure against the visitors continued to mount which resulted in Nadi scoring three more goals. Ba’s only goal came from the penalty spot. Nadi was captained by former Ba rep Avinesh Swamy. This has been a good win for the jet setters who now have the services of coach Kamal Swamy once again. Also seen making a comeback to the Nadi side is William Valentine.
Now Nadi is waiting to meet the Capital City Suva boys at Prince Charles Park on Sunday. Again, I think, Nadi fans will come in big numbers because of their team’s outstanding performance and convincing victory over Ba. Slowly but surely soccer is coming back on, which is good for the people who love the game. Let the games continue.
SURESH CHAND
Nadi