Former Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister, Jioji Kotobalavu, has expressed his approval of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent decision to appoint Opposition MPs to important ministerial positions, identifying it as a “smart move.” He sees this as a significant opportunity to bolster the leadership of the People’s Coalition Government.

According to Kotobalavu, Prime Minister Rabuka operates under Section 92 of the 2013 Constitution, which grants him full authority to appoint ministers and assistant ministers and allocate their responsibilities. The uniqueness of this reshuffle lies in the inclusion of opposition members, a shift from the usual practice of restricting ministerial roles to ruling party members.

Kotobalavu clarified that the appointed Opposition MPs have been designated as “cross-bench MPs,” a status approved by the Speaker of Parliament, which legitimizes their involvement in ministerial capacities. He believes that this approach could lead to substantial positive outcomes for governmental functionality, allowing the People’s Coalition Government to serve the citizens more effectively and efficiently.

Furthermore, Kotobalavu stated that this strategic reshuffle is a pragmatic initiative by PM Rabuka. It not only strengthens governance capabilities but also enhances Rabuka’s leadership position within his own party, the People’s Alliance, as the coalition approaches its final years in office. By potentially appointing Assistant Ministers to key departments, such as Public Works, Justice, and Health, this reshuffle aims to lighten the Prime Minister’s workload and facilitate better service delivery.

This shift in cabinet composition indicates a broader movement towards inclusivity and collaboration across party lines, which may yield a more united approach to governance as Fiji navigates future challenges. Ultimately, this development reflects a hopeful outlook for effective leadership, suggesting that bipartisan cooperation can enhance governmental operations and better meet the needs of the Fijian populace.