Decision-making in Cabinet is by consensus and there is no voting.
Cabinet has approved the general “rules and guidelines for ministers” and how they should conduct themselves in the context of decision–making.
“Ministers are encouraged to speak freely in Cabinet in discussion on any given proposal,” Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told a news conference yesterday.
“The first duty of ministers is to fully participate in discussions on policy matters, which only Cabinet can decide.
“This collective responsibility is one of the fundamental principles of decision–making in Cabinet.
“Policies determined by Cabinet must then be actioned by ministers in their respective ministries.”
He said ministers were public office holders and expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their role as servants of the people.
“A minister should not use any official information which comes to him/her as a minister, for his or her private profit, or for the benefit of their friends or close associates.
“Ministers must not solicit, encourage or accept gifts, benefits or favours either for him or herself or for another person in connection with the performance or non-performance of his or her official duties.”
Mr Rabuka said Cabinet also agreed that any gifts received by ministers must be declared and recorded in a gift register in individual ministries.
“Ministers were reminded that matters before the Cabinet are confidential in nature, and shall not to be released without the prior approval of the Prime Minister.
“Cabinet also agreed on a calendar of meetings for 2023-2024.”
