The National Coalition for Reform and Advancement (NCRA) government yesterday clarified that the proposal for an open cabinet does not literally mean opening cabinet meetings for the public.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister (SSPM) Andrew Muaki said the issue was misinterpreted by many speakers.

“The NCRA notes with concern that most of the editorials, views and publications fail to understand the idea behind an open Cabinet as proposed by the new NCRA Government under the leadership of Gordon Darcy Lilo,” Mr Muaki said.

He said an open Cabinet as proposed basically means:

“The New NCRA Government will invite views from the public, civic and civil societies groups, business houses, etc., on issues of national importance before Cabinet papers are drafted and considered.

“For instance, when the time comes for Solomon Islands to seriously consider the much talked about “reserve seats” for women, the government may publish the issues with a term of reference and ask the public, including civic and civil societies to submit their views before Cabinet consider this issue.

“The condition for a fruitful and meaningful dialogue between the government and civil societies groups is for the latter to be registered under the relevant laws;

He said the proposed open cabinet also means Cabinet Conclusions to be published subject to the Cabinet Code of Ethics; and Presentation to Cabinet by business houses, institutions and civic and civil organizations on issues before the Cabinet.

“After presentation presenters leave the Cabinet Room and for Cabinet then to deliberate and consider the points and matters rose by the presenters.

“Such approach will give Ministers a depth of understanding of issues before them when they deliberate and consider issues of importance to Solomon Islands.

“This approach has already been used occasionally whereas the New NCRA Government wants to use this approach more frequently especially on matters of national importance.

“An open Cabinet as proposed does not mean the public are invited to watch and see Ministers deliberate on Cabinet papers as alluded to by the media and some misinformed writers and critics.”

Mr Muaki however expressed acknowledgement for people’s views on the issue and hope the matter is clear.