Turaga too slow on law reforms, opposition MP claims

Opposition Member of Parliament Faiyaz Koya has accused Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga of being excessively slow in implementing crucial law reforms in Fiji. Koya contends that Turaga's ministry has not conducted adequate consultation or preparatory work before proceeding with these changes, which he believes hinders innovation and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

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It underpins innovation, and it actually greatly enhances SMEs. Ask the Minister behind you what he needs. He needs a positive SME environment. You have a big job on your hands, Honourable Acting Attorney General. You’ve had three and a half years, and guess what? The last word that I will say, it’s very slow.

"You have a big job on your hands, Honourable Acting Attorney General. You’ve had three and a half years, and guess what? The last word that I will say, it’s very slow," Koya stated, questioning the ministry's progress. He specifically raised concerns about whether a proper gap analysis or audit of Fiji's existing laws had been conducted prior to initiating the reforms. The MP also highlighted a perceived lack of digital integration and a clear framework for reviewing the laws.

Koya emphasized the importance of thorough consultation to understand the potential effects of law changes before their introduction. He pointed to the recent amendments to the Liquor Act, specifically the reduction in liquor trading hours, as an example of a decision that negatively impacted small businesses, many of which were still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also criticized the delays in advancing other significant reforms, such as those related to referendum legislation.

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He says proper consultation is important to identify the possible effects of law changes before they are introduced.

According to Koya, Fiji requires a robust rule of law to foster economic growth, build business confidence, and support its small business sector. He reiterated his criticism that despite Turaga having been in his role for three and a half years, the pace of reform remains too slow.

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Koya says Fiji needs a strong rule of law to support economic growth, business confidence and small businesses.