Former Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister, Jioji Kotobalavu, has praised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent strategic decision to appoint Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to important ministerial positions. He labeled this move a “smart move,” emphasizing its potential to significantly bolster the leadership of the People’s Coalition Government.

Kotobalavu pointed out that under Section 92 of the 2013 Constitution, PM Rabuka has the full authority to appoint ministers and assistant ministers—an action that typically involves only members from the ruling party. However, this reshuffle marks a notable departure from traditional parliamentary norms, as it includes MPs from the opposition, now serving as “cross-bench MPs.” This special status was granted by the Speaker of Parliament, making these appointments constitutionally valid.

Reflecting on the broader implications of this reshuffle, Kotobalavu believes it will lead to long-lasting positive effects for the government’s functionality, enhancing both its ability to govern effectively and improve service delivery to the people. He described this maneuver as pragmatic, reinforcing Rabuka’s leadership of the People’s Coalition Government and his People’s Alliance party during an essential phase of their term.

The reshuffle also indicates plans to introduce Assistant Ministers in key areas such as Public Works, Justice, and Health, with the goal of relieving some of the responsibilities from the Prime Minister. This action is likely aimed at fostering greater efficiency in governance.

Ultimately, Kotobalavu’s endorsement of these appointments reflects a hopeful and adaptive approach to leadership, suggesting that a willingness to embrace bipartisan collaboration can lead to a more unified and effective governance structure. This innovative strategy not only enhances the operational capabilities of the government but also paves the way for improved political relations and public service delivery, casting a positive outlook for Fiji’s political landscape as the coalition government prepares to navigate future challenges.