Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that his salary will not increase despite taking on the additional responsibilities of several portfolios previously held by Manoa Kamikamica, who resigned from his cabinet position amid serious legal issues. Kamikamica, who served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, voluntarily stepped down due to ongoing charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) related to perjury and providing false information.
In his remarks, Rabuka indicated that Fiji can operate effectively even without one of its three deputy prime ministers and stated, “Pay is not based on portfolios.” He will oversee Kamikamica’s former responsibilities temporarily, emphasizing the importance of leadership continuity during this challenging time.
Kamikamica returned to Fiji, marking his last day in office, yet remains a member of Parliament and the deputy leader of the People’s Alliance party. Rabuka expressed his ongoing support for Kamikamica’s efforts to clear his name and highlighted that the outcomes of the legal proceedings will determine Kamikamica’s future within the party.
The resignation unfolds amid broader discussions about political integrity and accountability within Fiji’s governance framework. There is an optimistic outlook that these events may catalyze essential reforms, allowing the government to realign itself with the public’s growing demands for transparency and responsible leadership.
With Kamikamica’s situation drawing significant public attention, it underscores the urgent need for a governance model characterized by openness and accountability. The political landscape in Fiji reflects a collective aspiration among citizens for responsible governance, suggesting that this period of upheaval may ultimately lead to positive changes within the nation’s political institutions.