Jioji Kotobalavu, the former Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister, has praised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to appoint Opposition MPs to significant ministerial positions, dubbing it a “smart move.” This approach not only highlights an innovative strategy to enrich the leadership of the People’s Coalition Government but also reflects a break from traditional parliamentary norms.

According to Kotobalavu, under Section 92 of the 2013 Constitution, Prime Minister Rabuka is empowered to appoint ministers, assistant ministers, and assign their respective responsibilities. What distinguishes this reshuffle is the inclusion of MPs from the opposition, which is usually not the norm in parliamentary systems where ministers are typically selected from the governing party. However, the selected MPs hold a special “cross-bench” status, having received approval from the Speaker of Parliament to serve in these roles.

Kotobalavu argues that these strategic appointments could lead to significantly positive outcomes for the government, enhancing its governance capabilities and service delivery to the public. He believes that this reshuffle represents a pragmatic step by Prime Minister Rabuka, aimed at strengthening not just the government’s functionality but also bolstering Mr. Rabuka’s leadership both within the administration and his political party.

In light of Rabuka’s recent cabinet reshuffle aimed at redistributing responsibilities among key ministries (including Public Works, Justice, and Health) and introducing Assistant Ministers, the collaboration with the opposition may further solidify effective governance as the administration nears the end of its term. This proactive approach suggests a commitment to fostering mutual support across party lines, marking a positive evolution in political collaboration.

Overall, this reshuffle is more than just a change in personnel; it could be a hopeful sign of a future where bipartisan cooperation strengthens governance and enhances public service in Fiji. As Prime Minister Rabuka moves forward with this unique strategy, it opens the door for new perspectives and potentially revitalizes the government’s mission to serve the Fijian people effectively.