Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has assured citizens that the stability of the coalition government remains firm, following the resignation of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad. Rabuka expressed appreciation for Prasad’s contributions since December 2022 and confirmed that he will continue to fulfill his role as a Member of Parliament for the National Federation Party (NFP).
In a recent statement addressing the recent fluctuations within the Cabinet, Rabuka stressed that the partnership among the NFP and its allies is robust. He noted that discussions held earlier indicated no adverse effects on their collaboration, affirming, “According to the discussion I had this morning, it will not impact the coalition partnership.”
To address the leadership vacuum left by recent departures, including that of Manoa Kamikamica due to corruption allegations by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Rabuka has appointed Assistant Minister Emmanuel to take over Prasad’s responsibilities. This proactive step demonstrates the government’s commitment to continuity in leadership amidst changes.
Rabuka also clarified that the legal proceedings regarding Prasad are unrelated to any political strategies, maintaining that FICAC operates independently and has not been weaponized against political opponents. “The government has not used FICAC as its weapon… in fact, I have not had any dealings with FICAC,” he asserted.
Emphasizing transparency and adherence to the rule of law, the Prime Minister encouraged both local and international stakeholders to perceive Fiji as a stable business environment, notwithstanding the recent political developments. Rabuka’s comments reflect a resolve to overcome challenges arising from Cabinet changes, advocating that such turbulence does not inherently signify governmental instability.
With a focus on ethical governance, Rabuka’s administration aims to build trust in public institutions, while creating a positive political climate in Fiji. This approach could facilitate essential reforms to bolster governmental integrity, fostering a hopeful and stable future for the nation.