It's Official: Cabinet Reshuffle, 7 of G9 MPs As Ministers & Asssitant Ministers

Seven Opposition Members of  Parliament (MPs) from the Group of Nine (G9) will be sworn in today as Ministers and Assistant Ministers for the Coalition Government.

The ceremony will take place at Parliament from 11am at the State House, presided by President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed yesterday that three G9 MPs would assume full ministerial roles.

"Yes, I can confirm that G9 MPs will be sworn in tomorrow (today)- some as ministers and others as assistant ministers," Mr Rabuka told this masthead.

The following G9 MPs will take on ministerial portfolios:

■ Ioane Naivalurua: Minister for Policing;

■ Viliame Naupoto: Minister for Immigration;

■ Mosese Bulitavu: Minister for Climate Change

Four others will serve as assistant ministers:

■ Naisa Tuinaceva: Assistant Minister for Transport

■ Josaia Niudamu: Assistant Minister for Justice

■ Penioni Ravunawa: Assistant Minister for Health

■ Aliki Bia: Assistant Minister for Information

Two G9 MPs, Alipate Tuicolo and Taito Rokomatu, were not allocated ministerial roles.

Pio Tikoduadua will remain as Minister for Defence.

Political shift

The G9’s elevation to Government positions marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.

Formed in July 2024 after the deregistration of the FijiFirst party, the G9 broke away from the Opposition caucus, led by Inia Seruiratu.

Their endorsement by Parliament introduced an unprecedented dynamic, as Fiji’s 2013 Constitution does not address the scenario of crossbench MPs aligning with the Government.

Prime Minister Rabuka had previously signalled his willingness to explore alliances with the G9.

Attorney-General Graham Leung described the situation as “uncharted territory,” saying, “If the Constitution doesn’t prohibit it, then it’s promising.”

Constitutional ambiguity

The 2013 Constitution specifies that MPs not aligned with the Prime Minister’s party or coalition must elect a Leader of the Opposition.

However, it does not provide guidance on crossbench scenarios or the integration of such MPs into the Government.

Political commentators suggest that Mr Rabuka’s move to include G9 MPs strengthens his coalition amid controversies surrounding key appointments in Government institutions.

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