In the latest developments Mr Salwai has reshuffled his cabinet, effectively removing Vanuaku Party MPs from his inner circle.
The move comes just a day after the opposition leader Ishmael Kalsakau withdrew the sixth motion of no confidence brought against Mr Salwai since he took office in 2016.
According to the prime minister's staff Vanua'aku Party MPs, who represent a large portion of the coalition government, used the motion to try and pressure the prime minister into giving them more ministerial portfolios.
