Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
01/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/09/2025 23:32
PRIME MINISTER HON. SITIVENI RABUKA’S STATEMENT AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE HELD ON 10.10.25
Ni sa Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon members of the media, thank you for coming in today for a few important announcements and clarifications on the governance of the nation.
I also greet those watching via livestream this afternoon.
Ni sa Bula Vinaka and thank you for your interest in the workings of your Government.
I called this Press Conference to give an update on a few important developments that have taken place this week, in particular this morning with the swearing in of three new Ministers and three new Assistant Ministers. A fourth Assistant Minister to assist the Minister for Health will be sworn in next week.
Two years ago, the Peoples' Coalition Government was established by the "power of one-vote".
Today, with the inclusion of the Group of Nine (G9) in the Coalition, our number in Parliament increases to 38.
Today, Your Government has almost 70% of the 55 votes in Parliament. This leaves the Group of 16 as the "Loyal Opposition" with 30% or 16 votes
As a former Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, I am well aware of their important role in presenting alternate policies and in holding the Executive Government accountable.
However, the 38 votes that Government now has in Parliament is still short of the 75% required to amend the Constitution.
In fact 42 votes are required to meet the first almost impossible hurdle of a three-quarter or 75% vote required by the Constitution for its amendment. An additional 4 votes would be required for this purpose.
The Review and amendment of the Constitution is a key objective of Your Government and we will continue to explore how to do this within the Constitution and the law, and in keeping with the principles of democracy and good governance.
We listened to your views and we have experienced for ourselves the current provisions of the Constitution and we agree that a review and consultations must be carried out to amend the Constitution so that it more accurately reflects our nation and people and how we want be governed.
Your Government will continue its efforts to ensure we have a Constitution and laws that are more democratic, enable good governance and that the voice of the people and the media are not suppressed.
I say that in recognition, that Governance, like life, is a constant effort, we must remain vigilant and we must continue to work to safeguard our democracy, our freedoms and the future of our nation.
No one else will come and do our civic responsibility to be good citizens who participate in our governance, we must do it ourselves.
To return our focus to the swearing in held earlier today at State House, I express my gratitude to His Excellency the President for the execution of the Ceremony this morning.
The addition of three new Ministers and three new Assistant Ministers, to Government is an auspicious and progressive occasion.
Today's events to me, are a Blessing for the nation, and speaks to the patriotism of the Group of Nine and the steps that we must take as individuals to work to unite our nation.
Despite the different platforms that we competed on in the last general elections in 2022, we are able to come together in the interest of the nation, to govern this nation and move forward.
Some media have asked about the constitutionality of the appointments made today - to clarify, it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister to appoint Ministers and Assistant Ministers.
The Group of Nine (G9) were formerly members of a political party, 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.
I am glad to say that they have coalesced into the Group of Nine, and after a few weeks of talks, they have now joined the Coalition Government.
I am also pleased that my Coalition partners, the National Federation Party and the Social Democratic Liberal Party have welcomed the addition of the new Ministers to strengthen the Government.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome to Cabinet Hon. Ioane Naivalurua as the new Minister for Policing - he is no stranger to the Fiji Police Force, having previously served as Commissioner for Police.
He is a distinguished military officer, retiring at the rank of Brigadier-General and also a career diplomat having served as our Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China, as well as Ambassador-At-Large.
I am confident that he will work with the Acting Commissioner and the new incoming Commissioner, to reduce violent crime and improve law and order;
Also joining Cabinet today is the Hon. Viliame Naupoto as the new Minister for Immigration - he is a former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, and served as Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, as well as Director for Immigration.
I am confident that he will oversee the ongoing investigation and ensure the Department improves its efficiency.
Further, that any corruption is rooted out and the Department meets the needs of the people of Fiji. In addition, the Department plays a key role in securing our borders to ensure the right people enter Fiji.
I also welcome Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, a three-term Parliamentarian who joined Parliament in 2014.
He is an experienced legislator, with over ten years as a key member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights.
I am certain that this experience will ensure our environment and climate change laws meet the needs of the nation now and in the future, and that our laws are enforced to protect our pristine environment.
Climate change is not only an environmental threat, but also a security challenge and I am confident that Hon. Bulitavu will spearhead our efforts in this regard.
Hon. Bulitavu will bring this experience to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to facilitate programs that benefit resource owners who often bear the burden of the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
I also welcome three new Assistant Ministers today - Hon. Naisa Tuinaceva, a former CEO of the Land Transport Authority, to assist the Minister for Public Works and Transport. I am confident that Hon. Tuinaceva will be of great assistance to Hon. Tuisawau
Hon. Aliki Bia, a renown journalist will become Assistant Minister for Information, and Hon. Ratu Josaia Niudamu will assist the Minister for Justice with his portfolio.
I now turn to a few other topical matters which have caused some discussion this week.
First, the Corrections Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa.
Dr. Nakarawa has completed his leave, and is back in office.
Your Government will follow the processes in the Constitution.
If there is to be an investigation, the Constitutional Offices Commission which I chair, will advise the President of any allegations of misbehavior and we will follow the requirements of the Constitution.
The Constitutional Offices Commission will be guided by the Constitution in giving advice to His Excellency the President in relation to any complaints against any Constitutional Officer.
Director of Public Prosecutions
As Prime Minister, I welcome the decision of the Tribunal appointed to investigate allegations of misbehaviour against the DPP.
This is due process and as His Excellency the President has pointed out, we thank the Chairman and Members of the Tribunal for their work in undertaking the inquiry and their final report and recommendations.
The Tribunal has in its deliberations considered the term "misbehaviour" which is not defined in the Constitution and this sets a precedent to guide the Judicial Services Commission which recommends the appointment of Judges, the DPP, FICAC Commissioner and other quasi-judicial officers to His Excellency the President. It is also a guide for the Constitutional Offices Commission when considering allegations of misbehaviour against Constitutional Offices holders.
I welcome His Excellency's decision to reinstate the DPP and restore all lost pay and benefits.
As an independent officer exercising the prosecutorial power of the State against individuals who break the law, the Director of Public Prosecutions is bound to respect the Constitution and the laws and I have every confidence that he will carry out his duty without fear, favour or ill-will.
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO FICAC COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT
Regarding the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner, I gave evidence earlier this week at the Commission of Inquiry and will not say anymore than that given that the hearings continue and the Commission has not yet completed its work.
If the Commission requires more time to complete its work, then that is something that can be accommodated and it will be at the discretion of His Excellency the President.
At this juncture ladies and gentlemen, I will stop and take questions that you may have.
Vinaka vakalevu
I also greet those watching via livestream this afternoon.
Ni sa Bula Vinaka and thank you for your interest in the workings of your Government.
I called this Press Conference to give an update on a few important developments that have taken place this week, in particular this morning with the swearing in of three new Ministers and three new Assistant Ministers. A fourth Assistant Minister to assist the Minister for Health will be sworn in next week.
Two years ago, the Peoples' Coalition Government was established by the "power of one-vote".
Today, with the inclusion of the Group of Nine (G9) in the Coalition, our number in Parliament increases to 38.
Today, Your Government has almost 70% of the 55 votes in Parliament. This leaves the Group of 16 as the "Loyal Opposition" with 30% or 16 votes
As a former Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, I am well aware of their important role in presenting alternate policies and in holding the Executive Government accountable.
However, the 38 votes that Government now has in Parliament is still short of the 75% required to amend the Constitution.
In fact 42 votes are required to meet the first almost impossible hurdle of a three-quarter or 75% vote required by the Constitution for its amendment. An additional 4 votes would be required for this purpose.
The Review and amendment of the Constitution is a key objective of Your Government and we will continue to explore how to do this within the Constitution and the law, and in keeping with the principles of democracy and good governance.
We listened to your views and we have experienced for ourselves the current provisions of the Constitution and we agree that a review and consultations must be carried out to amend the Constitution so that it more accurately reflects our nation and people and how we want be governed.
Your Government will continue its efforts to ensure we have a Constitution and laws that are more democratic, enable good governance and that the voice of the people and the media are not suppressed.
I say that in recognition, that Governance, like life, is a constant effort, we must remain vigilant and we must continue to work to safeguard our democracy, our freedoms and the future of our nation.
No one else will come and do our civic responsibility to be good citizens who participate in our governance, we must do it ourselves.
To return our focus to the swearing in held earlier today at State House, I express my gratitude to His Excellency the President for the execution of the Ceremony this morning.
The addition of three new Ministers and three new Assistant Ministers, to Government is an auspicious and progressive occasion.
Today's events to me, are a Blessing for the nation, and speaks to the patriotism of the Group of Nine and the steps that we must take as individuals to work to unite our nation.
Despite the different platforms that we competed on in the last general elections in 2022, we are able to come together in the interest of the nation, to govern this nation and move forward.
Some media have asked about the constitutionality of the appointments made today - to clarify, it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister to appoint Ministers and Assistant Ministers.
The Group of Nine (G9) were formerly members of a political party, 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.
I am glad to say that they have coalesced into the Group of Nine, and after a few weeks of talks, they have now joined the Coalition Government.
I am also pleased that my Coalition partners, the National Federation Party and the Social Democratic Liberal Party have welcomed the addition of the new Ministers to strengthen the Government.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome to Cabinet Hon. Ioane Naivalurua as the new Minister for Policing - he is no stranger to the Fiji Police Force, having previously served as Commissioner for Police.
He is a distinguished military officer, retiring at the rank of Brigadier-General and also a career diplomat having served as our Ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China, as well as Ambassador-At-Large.
I am confident that he will work with the Acting Commissioner and the new incoming Commissioner, to reduce violent crime and improve law and order;
Also joining Cabinet today is the Hon. Viliame Naupoto as the new Minister for Immigration - he is a former Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, and served as Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, as well as Director for Immigration.
I am confident that he will oversee the ongoing investigation and ensure the Department improves its efficiency.
Further, that any corruption is rooted out and the Department meets the needs of the people of Fiji. In addition, the Department plays a key role in securing our borders to ensure the right people enter Fiji.
I also welcome Hon. Mosese Bulitavu, a three-term Parliamentarian who joined Parliament in 2014.
He is an experienced legislator, with over ten years as a key member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights.
I am certain that this experience will ensure our environment and climate change laws meet the needs of the nation now and in the future, and that our laws are enforced to protect our pristine environment.
Climate change is not only an environmental threat, but also a security challenge and I am confident that Hon. Bulitavu will spearhead our efforts in this regard.
Hon. Bulitavu will bring this experience to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to facilitate programs that benefit resource owners who often bear the burden of the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
I also welcome three new Assistant Ministers today - Hon. Naisa Tuinaceva, a former CEO of the Land Transport Authority, to assist the Minister for Public Works and Transport. I am confident that Hon. Tuinaceva will be of great assistance to Hon. Tuisawau
Hon. Aliki Bia, a renown journalist will become Assistant Minister for Information, and Hon. Ratu Josaia Niudamu will assist the Minister for Justice with his portfolio.
I now turn to a few other topical matters which have caused some discussion this week.
First, the Corrections Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa.
Dr. Nakarawa has completed his leave, and is back in office.
Your Government will follow the processes in the Constitution.
If there is to be an investigation, the Constitutional Offices Commission which I chair, will advise the President of any allegations of misbehavior and we will follow the requirements of the Constitution.
The Constitutional Offices Commission will be guided by the Constitution in giving advice to His Excellency the President in relation to any complaints against any Constitutional Officer.
Director of Public Prosecutions
As Prime Minister, I welcome the decision of the Tribunal appointed to investigate allegations of misbehaviour against the DPP.
This is due process and as His Excellency the President has pointed out, we thank the Chairman and Members of the Tribunal for their work in undertaking the inquiry and their final report and recommendations.
The Tribunal has in its deliberations considered the term "misbehaviour" which is not defined in the Constitution and this sets a precedent to guide the Judicial Services Commission which recommends the appointment of Judges, the DPP, FICAC Commissioner and other quasi-judicial officers to His Excellency the President. It is also a guide for the Constitutional Offices Commission when considering allegations of misbehaviour against Constitutional Offices holders.
I welcome His Excellency's decision to reinstate the DPP and restore all lost pay and benefits.
As an independent officer exercising the prosecutorial power of the State against individuals who break the law, the Director of Public Prosecutions is bound to respect the Constitution and the laws and I have every confidence that he will carry out his duty without fear, favour or ill-will.
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO FICAC COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT
Regarding the ongoing Commission of Inquiry into the appointment of the FICAC Commissioner, I gave evidence earlier this week at the Commission of Inquiry and will not say anymore than that given that the hearings continue and the Commission has not yet completed its work.
If the Commission requires more time to complete its work, then that is something that can be accommodated and it will be at the discretion of His Excellency the President.
At this juncture ladies and gentlemen, I will stop and take questions that you may have.
Vinaka vakalevu