BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the recent Cabinet reshuffle aims to ensure fair and balanced representation in the distribution of ministerial portfolios within the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
“Basically to reflect a fair and balanced representation in the distribution of Cabinet portfolios within the coalition government, between the parties,” Prime Minister Manele said.
The Prime Minister made the comments in a recorded doorstop interview with local media outside Government House yesterday, following the swearing-in of three government ministers.
Manele was responding to questions on the necessity of the reshuffle amid reports of instability within the GNUT-led coalition.
He dismissed claims of outside influence, saying the changes were purely an internal Cabinet realignment to reflect GNUT’s commitment to implementing the government’s budget and policy priorities.
“Absolutely nothing. There are no external forces. It is basically a Cabinet realignment to reflect our commitment, including the full implementation of the government budget,” he said.
“And as I’ve said, to ensure that there is a fair and balanced representation in Cabinet among the two main parties.”
Government stability reaffirmed
When questioned on the stability of the GNUT coalition following the reshuffle, Prime Minister Manele said the government remains stable.
“The government is very stable. Stability is demonstrated every day in Parliament, on the floor of Parliament,” he said.
He also took the opportunity to sincerely thank the two ministers who were relieved of their portfolios—Polycarp Paea, MP for Malaita Outer Islands, and John Tuhaika Jnr, MP for Rennell and Bellona.
“They continue to be members of the caucus. They will continue to contribute in policy making,” Mr Manele said.
“I even intend, and I’ve been talking with them already, to appoint them as chair of a number of Cabinet sub-committees.”
Asked whether further Cabinet changes are expected in the coming days, the Prime Minister said no additional reshuffles are anticipated at this stage.
“As I’ve said, the changes that we have made were done after consultations with party wing leaders and a number of MPs within government,” he said.
“Again, it shows our commitment in terms of implementing government policy and priorities. In my interest, it’s a national interest, that the government continues to deliver goods and services for our people and for our country.”
Three MPs sworn in
Three Members of Parliament were sworn in yesterday at Government House as part of the ministerial portfolio realignment.
South Guadalcanal MP Rollen Seleso was sworn in as Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Temotu Nendo MP Stephen Kumi was sworn in as Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, while Ranongga–Simbo MP Wayne Ghemu was reshuffled to serve as Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management.
Mr Paea and Mr Tuhaika Jnr were relieved of their ministerial portfolios following the reshuffle but remain with the government.
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