“PM’s Bold Move: Opposition MPs Take Key Ministerial Roles”

Former Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister, Jioji Kotobalavu, has praised Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to appoint Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to key ministerial positions, referring to it as a “smart move.” This decision is seen as a significant opportunity to enhance the leadership and governance of the People’s Coalition Government.

Kotobalavu outlined that Prime Minister Rabuka’s authority to make these appointments is rooted in Section 92 of the 2013 Constitution, allowing him to assign responsibilities to ministers and assistant ministers. Typically, such roles are reserved for members of the ruling party, making this inclusion of opposition members noteworthy. The appointed MPs have attained “cross-bench” status, approved by the Speaker of Parliament, enabling their service in these roles.

Kotobalavu believes this reshuffle will foster significant positive changes for the government’s ability to serve its citizens effectively and efficiently. He described PM Rabuka’s strategy as pragmatically astute, not only reinforcing the coalition’s leadership but also enhancing Rabuka’s position within his own People’s Alliance party.

Plans for this reshuffle also include appointing Assistant Ministers across key departments, including Public Works, Justice, and Health, which aims to alleviate the Prime Minister’s workload and improve service delivery within the government.

This strategic shift demonstrates a trend towards inclusivity and collaboration across party lines, which Kotobalavu believes could lead to better governance and service delivery. The endorsement of these appointments reflects a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s political landscape, emphasizing the potential for bipartisan cooperation to address the diverse needs of the Fijian populace as the coalition government advances into its remaining term.

In summary, PM Rabuka’s decision to incorporate opposition members into significant roles can foster a more effective and collaborative governance structure. This innovative approach may enhance political ties and improve service delivery, ultimately creating a more unified and responsive government for the people of Fiji.