Kamikamica dismisses leadership speculation after Cabinet return

On his first day back in Cabinet, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises Manoa Kamikamica dismissed speculation about his leadership ambitions.

He denied claims he had sought to destabilise Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, despite being described by the Prime Minister as his "heir".

After being sworn in yesterday for a second time, Mr Kamikamica said his immediate priority was governing Fiji rather than jockeying for future party leadership.

On Monday, the Suva Magistrate Court cleared him of charges of perjury and giving false information to a public servant.

Mr Kamikamica resigned from Cabinet, including the Deputy Prime Minister's post, in October last year while the matter was before the court.

Following Monday's ruling, Mr Rabuka publicly endorsed Mr Kamikamica as a future successor, describing him as "my heir".

Mr Kamikamica thanked the Prime Minister for his confidence but said his focus remained firmly on governing.

"Right now, my focus is on the work that needs to be done. We have a government to run, and there is a great deal to accomplish before the next general election," he said.

"I'm not concerned about who will become the next leader. My priority is to ensure that the work we've started is carried out effectively and that we continue to maintain the trust and confidence of the people."

Mr Kamikamica also rejected claims he had been involved in attempts to undermine the Prime Minister within The People's Alliance.

"Those rumours have been around since before we even formed the party," he said.

"People should look at my record within the party. As far as my relationship with the Prime Minister is concerned, it has always been a good one, despite what others may try to suggest about my intentions."

He said he was among the first to support Mr Rabuka in establishing The People's Alliance and remained committed to the party's objectives.

"The speculation is simply that speculation. People naturally like to create rumours and political drama," he said.

"I can say clearly that I've never had any discussions about bringing down the Government. That has never been my concern."

Mr Kamikamica said his priority remained helping move Fiji forward.