CABINET RESHUFFLE: Smart Move, Says Kotobalavu

Former Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister, Jioji Kotobalavu, has commended Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to appoint Opposition MPs to key ministerial roles as a “smart move,” highlighting its potential to strengthen the leadership of the People’s Coalition Government.

PM Rabuka has full authority to appoint ministers

Mr Kotobalavu emphasised that under Section 92 of the 2013 Constitution, Prime Minister Rabuka has the full authority to appoint ministers and assistant ministers, as well as assign their portfolio responsibilities.

However, what makes this move exceptional is that these appointments are all drawn from the parliamentary opposition, he said.

“In a parliamentary system of government, ministers and assistant ministers are drawn only from the government side of the House of Representatives.

“MPs in the opposition cannot be appointed to serve as ministers,” Mr Kotobalavu explained.

He pointed out that these appointments are constitutionally permissible because the MPs involved are serving as “cross-bench MPs,” a status granted by the Speaker of Parliament.

“They had sought the approval of the Speaker to Parliament to be granted this special ‘cross-bench’ status in the House, and the Speaker had approved it,” he said.

Reshuffle will have far-reaching positive effects for government

Mr Kotobalavu believes this reshuffle will have far-reaching positive effects for Government.

“From a wider perspective, I can also say that this is pragmatically a very smart move by PM Rabuka.

“It will strengthen the People’s Coalition Government’s ability to govern the country and improve services to the people.”

He said the move would also bolster Mr Rabuka’s leadership of both Government and his own People’s Alliance party.

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