Cabinet Ministers Back Ro Filipe’s Appointment as Acting PM

Ro Filipe Tuisawau's appointment as Acting Prime Minister has drawn praise from Cabinet colleagues, who described him as highly capable and qualified for the role.

Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, welcomed the move and said Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's decision was likely guided by both practical considerations and succession planning.

The appointment has sparked public interest as it breaks from the usual protocol of naming one of the deputy prime ministers to the acting role-though legally, it remains entirely within the prime minister's discretion.

"Ro Filipe is a capable minister."

He comes with high credentials and I'm happy for him," Mr Kamikamica said.

"At the end of the day, the prime minister runs this country. He decides who is deputy prime minister or Minister for Trade. We all support him."

Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh, also backed the appointment, stating there was "nothing wrong" with the prime minister's decision.

"Everybody could and should be given a chance to become the acting prime minister," Mr Singh said during a visit to Labasa.

"The prime minister has made a good decision."

When asked why the three deputy prime ministers-Biman Prasad, Manoa Kamikamica, and Viliame Gavoka-were overlooked for the temporary role, Mr Singh suggested they may have been tied up with other commitments.

"I think they all may be a bit busy or committed," he said.

"The Constitution is clear-it says the prime minister can appoint anyone. If he invites me to become the acting prime minister, I am ready and will take it too."

Ro Filipe will serve as acting prime minister until Friday while Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is in Australia.

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