Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele says he will call Parliament at an appropriate time.
This comes as a motion of no confidence, submitted by a new coalition comprising 28 members, matures on Monday.
Speaking to the media at a press conference on Sunday amid ongoing political instability, Prime Minister Manele defended his government, stating that it is still functioning.
“We have a quorum in Cabinet.
“The quorum in Cabinet is 12 plus one. At the moment, we have 16 or 17 ministers,” he said.
“In terms of Parliament meeting, I will call Parliament at an appropriate time.
“It is important that we attend to matters of national interest at this moment. The government should not be forced into action due to political pressure,” he said.
Prime Minister Manele stressed that national interest is of utmost importance, noting that the country is facing unprecedented challenges.
“The conflict in the Middle East, for example, will have a significant impact on our economy, particularly through rising fuel and oil prices starting in April. This will become very clear.
“The government has also been delivering, and it is important that we continue to do so, as I have highlighted earlier. I will call Parliament as and when appropriate,” he added.
As part of addressing six vacant ministerial positions, Prime Minister Manele has appointed supervising ministers.
They are:
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination, Manasseh Sogavare, as Acting Minister for Commerce
- Trevor Manemahaga, Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, as Acting Minister for Infrastructure Development
- Jimson Tanangada, Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services, as Acting Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification
- Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rexson Ramofafia, as Acting Minister for Rural Development
- Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Bradley Tovosia, as Supervising Minister for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services
- Minister for Forestry and Research, Makario Tagini, as Supervising Minister for Public Service
