The 21-day stay on the increase in electricity tariff is a calculated piece of political theatre rather than a genuine act of compassion.
This has been highlighted by the Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu, who says that while the Government uses domestic media to project an image of a “rescue mission”, the reality is that this crisis was facilitated by the very administration now claiming to solve it.
In a statement, Seruiratu claims decisions of this magnitude do not happen in isolation and under Fiji’s system of governance, the proposed tariff hike must have passed through Cabinet.
He says the initial endorsement by the FCCC was not a “rogue” action, but a process facilitated through established ministerial channels.
The Leader of the Opposition claims the Government is now attempting to distance itself from its own decision-making process only after gauging public outcry and immense pressure from the Opposition.
Seruiratu says true leadership requires foresight, not eleventh-hour damage control and if the Government prioritised public consultation, it would have mandated a wider consultative process before the FCCC ever gave its approval.
He claims this suspension appears to be a transparent attempt to bolster approval ratings rather than protect the interests of Fijian taxpayers.
Seruiratu says the suspension of the tariff increase for wider public consultation also raises serious concerns about FCCC operations and the capability of the board members, given it was the board that endorsed the increase.
He says questions can also be raised about the independence of the FCCC, as this situation suggests an initial political blunder followed by political interference to manage the fallout.
The Opposition is calling for immediate transparency to end this political staging.
They are also calling for genuine consultation, ensuring the review is a transparent investigation into EFL’s operational efficiencies, not a “box-ticking” exercise.
The Opposition is also calling for a clear plan for EFL’s requirements that does not involve returning to the pockets of the people once media attention fades.
Seruiratu also demands that the government provide a detailed explanation of why Joel Abraham was appointed as Chairperson of the FCCC, and under whose influence he was removed within a day.
He says as major shareholders of EFL, the Government must provide full disclosure on whether it was aware of the submission to increase the tariff.
He adds the Fijian people deserve a government that acts with integrity from the outset, rather than one that manufactures a crisis only to play the hero in its resolution.Questions have been sent to the Office of the Prime Minister.
