Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry claims the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama’s misplaced faith in the Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has driven Fiji to the brink of bankruptcy.
In a statement, Chaudhry says being an ostrich in such a situation will only result in unprecedented calamity befalling the people and the nation.
Chaudhry says from all accounts, Fiji's economy under Sayed-Khaiyum has taken a tumble from which the chances of recovery remain remote and there was no real growth under him.
Chaudhry says it was all about huge borrowings, lavish spending and the pursuit of wrong fundamentals.
He further claims lack of transparency and accountability has led to unprecedented levels of corruption and poverty, unemployment and cost of living have all reached new heights.
The FLP Leader says Fiji under Sayed-Khaiyum is fast accelerating towards joining the list of the least developed countries.
While speaking in parliament yesterday, Bainimarama stated that the Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has his total support and is backed by a whole of government effort, by every ministry and department in the government he leads.
The Prime Minister says he has every confidence in their vision.
Bainimarama says his government set the record for the longest period of Fiji’s economic growth ever with nine straight years of growth.
He says they dropped unemployment, reduced inequality, expanded social protection and set the nation on the path to modernisation.
Bainimarama adds it is the same strong and united leadership that will guide Fiji through the crisis we face today.
Bainimarama says they have a plan to secure Fiji’s place in the most important global economic recovery of our lifetime.
