Punching above one’s weight

RECENTLY, the term “punching above one’s weight” has been a lot in the media and being used by ministers as if it is going out of style.

“Punching above one’s weight” means performing or achieving results better than expected and beyond one’s ability, skill, and experience.

In the early 19th century, weight classes in boxing were established and boxing matches were divided into different weight categories — flyweight, lightweight, and so on. Since the regulations were established, only boxers of the same weight category could fight each other. When a boxer from a lighter weight category fought someone in a heavier category, he’d be “punching above his weight”. Today the term is used figuratively in occasions where someone tries to compete outside their comfort zone and usual class. Or performing their functions extraordinarily well.

Our honourable

PM has been consistently punching above his weight. He has been very consistent about creating an environment of harmony and goodwill promoting the idea that we are all Fijians. He has been a relentless champion of climate change and reducing the carbon footprint and had won worldwide acclaim for his untiring efforts. He has also, as the Minister for Sugar tried to revive the sugar industry.

The Minister for Agriculture has been doing a phenomenal job in encouraging Fijians to realise the potential of agrofarming and his efforts have become more significant after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown of the tourism industry. The Minister for Health was doing a good job of punching above his weight but after the onset of the pandemic, he has done an exceptional job in ensuring that Fiji remains COVIDfree. We are indeed very fortunate to live in one of the safest, if not the safest country, and hats off to the minister.

One minister has been constantly throwing his weight around and hitting below the belt. He seems to believe that the art of politics consists in knowing when to hit below the belt.

I believe the Minister for Education seems to have been persistently pummelled and had been responding with very weak and ineffective jabs. I believe the Minister for Local Government, on the other hand, has been punching above her weight regularly and is making a huge impact and is also exposing corruption. Her previous job was valuable training ground.

The Minister for Women is eloquent and impressive in talking the talk inside and outside the ring but I believe has not landed any strong punches. There has been no reduction in domestic violence. If anything, I believe it has worsened.

The boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, is known for his brilliant techniques in the boxing ring. What made Ali so unique was his ability to combine his natural reflexes and God-given ability to fight with his unorthodox movement and penchant for showmanship. He had the gift of the gab but he always delivered what he promised.

Some ministers talk the talk but hardly walk it. They just seem to be dancing in the ring and always punching below their weight. I am sure they will after getting advice from their trainers (assistant ministers) and cut men (PS). Also it might not hurt to get some nuggets of wisdom from the spectators. From their vantage point, whether ringside or in the bleachers, they can offer some excellent suggestions. The question is, are the ministers willing to listen?

ARVIND MANI

Nadi