The General Secretary of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), Sila Balawa, told FBC News Tuesday majority of their members say they are only with the party because of its leader and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
FBC News had questioned Balawa about Rabuka’s recent request for the PA’s Executive and Management Committees to add the topic of leadership succession to the party’s agenda.
Balawa responded by saying the consensus within the party is that many members want Rabuka to remain as leader.
He added that even if the Prime Minister chooses to lead the party into another election, he would have strong backing from members.
Balawa said Rabuka likely has his reasons for putting the succession issue in the agenda.
“Definitely he will be looking at grooming someone or a few of our senior members as his heir apparent so that he can probably hand over to them sometime or somewhere down the line.”
He said for now, the prime minister remains the preferred and prominent leader for many within the People’s Alliance.
“Members sort of feel that he is the reason they support the party; he is the best leader leading the party and the prime minister of the country at this point in time.”
The People’s Alliance General Secretary said they look forward to hearing any leadership recommendations from Rabuka but stresses that the final decision rests with the party members.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged growing public concerns over the size and performance of his government, stating that internal coalition dynamics and a lack of discipline have hindered effective governance.
Speaking to FBC News, Rabuka confirmed that while only three cabinet members from the G9 bloc have been assigned full ministerial portfolios, the rest serve as assistant ministers.
Rabuka said the government has worked together for two years, but the coalition agreement has at times created barriers to unity and effective leadership.
“There’s been a lot of criticism from Fijians. Some members are prioritising the interests of their own political parties over the collective good of the government. This needs to change.
“As the Chief Executive of the government and the chief advisor to the President, it is critical for me to have a firm foundation to make sound decisions in Parliament.”
Rabuka emphasised the need for stronger leadership and decision-making power centralised in the Prime Minister’s office.
The Prime Minister, who also holds the Civil Service portfolio, noted that concerns raised by civil servants have prompted a review of executive roles within government.
“If necessary, I will ask some executives to step down or move them to lower positions. Those who are hardworking may be appointed as Assistant Ministers. Our goal is to build a better Fiji.”
Rabuka’s comments come amid increasing scrutiny of the government’s structure and effectiveness, as Fijians call for greater accountability and discipline among their elected leaders.
