Just a day after the High Court dismissed the case against him, Manoa Kamikamica has returned to Fiji’s Cabinet as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce, Business Development and Public Enterprises, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka publicly declaring him his political “heir”.
Kamikamica was sworn in at State House on Tuesday before President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, taking the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Due Execution of Office in the presence of Prime Minister Rabuka and members of his family.
His reinstatement follows the High Court’s decision to dismiss the case against him, paving the way for his return to the senior ranks of government.
Speaking after confirming Kamikamica’s return, Rabuka said the former deputy prime minister had emerged stronger after months of legal scrutiny.
“He’ll go back as Deputy Prime Minister.”
The Prime Minister added that Kamikamica would resume a portfolio closely aligned with his professional background in commerce, trade and communications.
“He’s come out better and a stronger person. He’s been through the mill, and I’m sure he’s very happy with the outcome.”
In one of his strongest endorsements yet, Rabuka dismissed suggestions that Kamikamica posed a threat to his leadership, revealing he had always regarded him as his successor.
“In fact, he is my heir.”
When asked whether he had conveyed that directly to Kamikamica, the Prime Minister said the understanding dated back to the formation of the People’s Alliance.
“That was right from the beginning when we started the party. He knew that and he understood that.”
Rabuka also rejected speculation that investigations involving Kamikamica were connected to rumours of a leadership challenge within the governing party.
“It had nothing to do with it,” he said, adding that any future leadership transition should not involve “a scheme” or “a conspiracy”.
While expressing confidence about leading the People’s Alliance into the next general election, Rabuka acknowledged electoral success could not be taken for granted.
“I’m confident of leading the party,” he said.
“I’m not confident, and I cannot take it for granted, that we shall be elected. We have to do a lot of work still.”
A chartered accountant by profession, Kamikamica brings more than 33 years of senior executive experience across finance, aviation, banking and manufacturing.
Before entering politics, he served as Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of the Lyndhurst Group of Companies, held senior management positions with ANZ in Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea, and spent more than 13 years with Fiji Airways, including as General Manager Finance and General Manager Strategic Planning.
His return restores him to the same ministerial portfolios he held before stepping aside pending the legal proceedings, marking a significant political comeback for one of the government’s most senior figures.
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