Part 36
On January 8, 2007, cabinet was formed with eight interim ministers sworn-in.
According to this newspaper, eight ministers were sworn-in to be part of the interim administration led by Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
Those sworn-in were Suva lawyer, Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum as interim Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Poseci Bune as interim Minister for Public Service and Public Sector Reform and Dr Jona Senilagakali as interim Minister for Health.
The former speaker, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was sworn-in as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade and the former Fiji Institute of Technology lecturer, Netani Sukanaivalu was sworn-in as the interim Minister for Education. Mr Sukanaivalu according to the article was a reserve officer with the Fiji Navy who held the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Manu Korovulavula a former director of the Transport Control Board (Land Transport Authority) was sworn-in as the Minister for Transport, Taito Waradi, the former president of the Fiji Chamber of Commerce was sworn-in as the interim Minister for Commerce, Industry and Investment while Adi Laufitu Malani was sworn-in as the interim Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Housing.
Another eight interim ministers were expected to be sworn-in on Tuesday January 9.
The Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF) said it supported the return of executive authority to civilians and called for the retreat of the military from national leadership.
Forum executive director, Reverend Akuila Yabaki said they held serious concern regarding the legality of the interim civilian government.
“It would be far better for the military to withdraw completely and for a totally civilian administration independent of the military to be installed,” he said.
He said the involvement of Commodore Bainimarama would not restore full international recognition as long as he continued as interim Prime Minister.
“Milbrook Commonwealth Action Programme on the Harare Declaration (1995) required a clear path for the return of an elected government to a general election within a two year period,” he said.
He said the CCF supported the commitment of the Pacific Forum Leaders and the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group to send teams to Fiji.
“These teams could help chart the course back to democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
“We urge the commander Commodore Bainimarama to cease serving as interim PM as soon as possible for fresh election date to be set within 15 months as proposed by the Great Council of Chiefs,” he said.
The Confederation of Public Sector Unions welcomed the appointment of Mr Bune saying he would apply his knowledge and expertise to improve the operations of government.
Confederation chairman Rajeshwar Singh said they expected Mr Bune and PSC chairman Hector Hatch to administer the service within the confines of the various laws that govern the procedures and the terms and conditions of service for public officers.
