People First Party leader Inia Seruiratu has described the issuance and sudden withdrawal of a Government circular requiring Prime Ministerial approval for all ministry media statements as an extraordinary state of affairs.
Mr Seruiratu said the incident raised serious questions about decision-making, coordination and accountability within the Coalition Government.
Circular 21/2026, dated November 5 and signed by Permanent Secretary for Civil Service Pita Tagicakirewa, directed all Government ministries and departments to obtain Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s approval before issuing media statements or press releases.
However, Mr Seruiratu said the Minister for Information had confirmed today that the circular had been withdrawn because it was never approved in the first place.
“That is an extraordinary state of affairs,” he said.
“I find it deeply concerning that a directive of such significance could be issued under the authority of the Ministry of Civil Service, circulated to Permanent Secretaries across Government, and then abruptly withdrawn on the grounds that it had not been approved.”
Mr Seruiratu demanded answers on who authorised the circular and whether the Prime Minister had been aware of its contents before it was distributed.
“Who authorised its issuance? Who was consulted? Was the Prime Minister aware of the directive before it was circulated?” he asked.
He said the incident was another example of what he described as confusion, poor coordination and a lack of direction within the Coalition Government.
Mr Seruiratu also questioned why such a directive was considered necessary in the first place.
He said ministers and their respective ministries had a responsibility to communicate openly, accurately and promptly with the public on matters affecting their lives.
Requiring every Government media statement to pass through the Prime Minister’s Office would create unnecessary bureaucracy, delay the dissemination of important information and further centralise decision-making, he argued.
“The Prime Minister cannot reasonably be expected to personally approve every media statement issued by every ministry and department,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“That is not what effective leadership looks like.”
He said effective leadership involved establishing clear responsibilities, empowering competent officials and ensuring Government operated through proper and accountable processes.
Mr Seruiratu argued that the controversy went beyond the withdrawal of a single circular.
“This incident is not simply about a Circular that was issued and withdrawn. It is about the growing perception of a Government that has lost its sense of direction, where decisions appear to be made without proper consultation, communication or coordination,” he said.
He claimed the Prime Minister and his Government appeared increasingly disconnected from what was happening within their own administration.
Mr Seruiratu said the controversy had emerged at a time when Fijians were struggling with the cost of living, water shortages, deteriorating public services and other pressing national challenges.
“The last thing this country needs is a Government creating unnecessary confusion within its own ranks,” he said.
“Our people expect their leaders to be focused on solving problems, not creating new ones through questionable administrative decisions.”
Mr Seruiratu called on the Prime Minister to explain how the circular came to be issued, why it was subsequently withdrawn and what measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents.
