None of the positions or portfolios of Fiji Government cabinet ministers are threatened.
This assurance comes from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, as nine opposition members have declared their interest and shown support for Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Rabuka said that the nine MPs will continue to sit in opposition.
He said that they will participate in parliamentary debate and continue to represent the people who voted for them.
“They was no agreement but they just came to tell me that they support me as the Prime Minister. They will continue to sit on the opposition benches as independents.”
He said that the members of the coalition have supported his move and welcomed the meeting with the nine MPs.
Rabuka said if the nine MPs are not included in the opposition caucus meetings, then they should have a separate facility for themselves, and he will speak to the speaker about this.
The nine MPs include Aliki Bia, Mosese Bulitavu, Josaia Niudamu, Viliame Naupoto, Alipate Tuicolo, Ioane Naivalurua, Taito Rokomatu, Penioni Ravunawa, and Naisa Tuinaceva.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Cabinet does not have a say on the opinion provided by the Supreme Court.
This is in relation to the referral by the cabinet whereby an opinion was sought in regard to the interpretation of sections 105(2)(b), 114 (2), 116 (4) and 117 (2) of the Constitution.
This is in particular to, whether an Independent Legal Services Commission finding in a disciplinary proceeding instituted
The context in which that opinion was sought related to the appointment of John Rabuku to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution and Alipate Qetaki to the office of the Judge of Court of Appeal.
“Cabinet does not have any say in that, it’s the Judicial Services Commission, we have accepted that and we will just go through whatever consequential actions will be required which is COC and JSC.”
Late last month the Supreme Court gave the opinion that while John Rabuku is not qualified to hold the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, Justice Qetaki was eligible for appointment as a judge of the Court of Appeal because he was not sanctioned for professional misconduct.
