12:09 pm today

Fiji PM's major cabinet reshuffle is costly attempt to rebrand - Ratuva

12:09 pm today
His Excellency the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, First Lady Emily Lalabalavu, Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka with Deputy Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers and the newly sworn-in Ministers and Assistant Ministers at State House

His Excellency the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, First Lady Emily Lalabalavu, Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka with Deputy Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers and the newly sworn-in Ministers and Assistant Ministers at State House Photo: FIJI DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION

An expert on Fiji politics claims prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka's costly cabinet reshuffle is a power grab, and attempt to rebrand himself.

The Prime Minister has lured six out of nine opposition members (who form the Group of 9 or G9), to join his ranks, an alliance that could potentially make his two coalition partners dispensable.

Distinguished professor Steve Ratuva said the move gives Rabuka the numbers to dictate exactly what he wants in the run up to the General Election in December 2026.

Rabuka argues it is the Prime Minister's right to appoint ministers and assistant ministers.

Professor Ratuva believes it's also a bid to rebrand and shake off the scandals and crises that have plagued the government in recent weeks.

Professor Steven Ratuva. June 2024

Professor Steven Ratuva Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis

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

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.

"For him (Rabuka), it's probably a way of trying to make sure that new faces, new ideas and new strategies might somehow overshadow some of the very significant challenges the government has been facing," Ratuva said.

However, he said it's questionable whether Rabuka would have enough support to change the controversial 2013 Constitution.

The three MPs who have been sworn in as cabinet ministers are:

  • Iowane Naivalurua: Minister for Policing
  • Viliame Naupoto: Minister for Immigration
  • Mosese Bulitavu: Minister for Environment and Climate Change

Three other MPs will serve as assistant ministers:

  • Naisa Tuinaceva: Assistant Minister for Transport
  • Josaia Niudamu: Assistant Minister for Justice
  • Aiki Bia, Assistant Minister for Information

Their elevation to government positions has prompted a backlash in the country and changed Fiji's political landscape.

Professor Ratuva told Margot Staunton that it's significant for several reasons.

Criticism over the appointments

Aseri Radrodro, the leader of coalition partner SODELPA and Minister of Education, said there was a lack of consultation over the appointment of G9 members to ministerial positions.

"Without SODELPA, the coalition government would not be here," Radrodo said.

"Such unilateral decisions could sow suspicion among partners."

Attorney-General Graham Leung has described the reshuffle as "uncharted territory," saying "if the Constitution doesn't prohibit it, then it's promising".

Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube claimed the cost of the reshuffle could be as much as FJ$3m or NZ$2.3m.

"The prime minister has again made the people pay for his political survival by increasing yet again the size of an already bloated Cabinet with people who were not even elected to Parliament, by the three parties in the coalition."

Opposition MP Premila Kuma accused Rabuka of abandoning one of his pre-election pledges.

"What happened to their promise of reducing the size of government and cutting costs?" she said.

"This isn't a reshuffle. It's a bailout for underperforming ministers and assistant ministers who continue to hold their positions, enjoying perks all at the expense of hardworking Fijians."

A former prime minister, Mahendra Chaudhry, said the reshuffle was unjustified given the critical state of the economy and public finances.

"It seems the Prime Minister's primary consideration here was to secure his own delicate position," the Fiji Labour Party leader said.

"I do not believe that such superficial changes will provide any relief to the people from the chronic problems of high cost of living, unemployment, poverty, rising crime rates, corruption and crumbling infrastructure."

The current administration has now grown to 34 ministers and assistant ministers, one of the largest in Fiji's history, with 22 cabinet ministers and 12 assistant ministers.

Rabuka's response to appointments

Rabuka said some media have questioned the constitutionality of the appointments made.

"To clarify, it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister to appoint ministers and assistant ministers," he said.

"The G9 were formerly members of a political party, (FijiFirst) which is now de-registered, so they have become independent members of Parliament under the Political Parties Act."

"As independent members of Parliament, they are free agents. While the Constitution does not allow boat-jumping or party-jumping, as independents, they are basically free to choose who to join whether Government or Opposition," Rabuka said.

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