Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has ruled that in future, decisions in Cabinet will be made by consensus and without a vote.
Announcing the approved general rules and guidelines for Ministers, Mr Rabuka stressed that Ministers would be encouraged to speak freely on any given proposal.
“The first duty of Ministers is to fully participate in discussions on policy matters, it is a collective responsibility and one of the fundamental principles of decision-making in Cabinet,” Mr Rabuka (pictured) said.
“No one can come out and say I did not agree with that because once you agree as a Cabinet, that becomes Government policy and is implemented.”
He said policies determined by Cabinet must then be actioned by the Ministers and their Public Servants.
“Ministers are public office holders and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as servants of the people,” the Prime Minister said.
“A Minister should not use any information which comes to him or her during Cabinet discussion for his or her private profit or for the benefit of their friends and close associates.”
Mr Rabuka said Ministers must not solicit, encourage or accept gifts, benefits or favour, either for themselves or for another person, in connection with the performance or non-performance of his or her official duties.
“It has been agreed that any gifts received by a Minister must be declared and recorded in a gift register in individual Ministries,” he said.
“No Cabinet matters and papers must be released without my prior approval.”
Suva, 20 January 2023
