Rabuka backtracks controversial cabinet reshuffle, says 'we listened to the lawyers'

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has walked back a controversial cabinet reshuffle less than a fortnight after announcing it.

Affected portfolios included justice, lands and mineral resources, education and the ministry for iTaukei affairs.

However, it was the appointment of lands minister Filimoni Vosarogo as attorney-general that drew the most criticism, with the Fiji Law Society saying he was ineligible for the post, according to the country's constitution, because he had pleaded guilty to professional misconduct in his past.

Initially Sitiveni Rabuka defended his decision urging those objecting to his appointments to take the matter up with the courts.

His decision also resulted in the Fiji military commander raising his concerns about the move with the home affairs minister.

Reshuffle announced on October 13:

• Siromi Turaga is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Lands and Mineral Resources;
• Filimoni Vosarogo is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of the Attorney General & Minister for Justice;
• Ifereimi Vasu is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Education; and'
• Aseri Radrodro is reassigned to the ministerial portfolio of Minister for iTaukei Affairs.

No reshuffle

But in a press conference on Wednesday, the prime minister said there would be no cabinet reshuffle for now.

Rabuka noted the concerns raised by the Fiji Law Society and other agencies, and said they are a government that listens.

He told FBC News that he will announce a new reshuffle.

"The reshuffle is made when it is approved by President approves upon my recommendation and it is gazetted and that has not happened....there have been concerns raised by the Fiji Law Society," he said.

"We listened to the lawyers in government to advise us. We have also obtained some private legal advice.

"All of that has been taken into account, when I make the announcement you will know why."