Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has refrained from addressing whether any disciplinary measures will be taken against Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya, over her insubordination. Ms. Tabuya’s recent public comments regarding the reintroduction of the death penalty as a deterrent for drug offenders, particularly those using Fiji as a transit point for illegal drugs, have sparked controversy. This topic was expected to be discussed initially within the Cabinet.
Earlier in the week, Mr. Rabuka mentioned to this newspaper that the Cabinet would handle the situation involving Ms. Tabuya. Her history of disregarding Cabinet protocols has led to increasing calls for her removal from the ministerial position.
During an interview yesterday, Mr. Rabuka stated that he did not wish to make premature judgments on the matter. “The issue of Lynda Tabuya has not been dealt with,” he stated. “I have not been in Fiji long enough to address the issue. It was supposed to be dealt with by the Cabinet yesterday.”
He expressed regret that Ms. Tabuya chose to voice her opinions publicly prior to any Cabinet discussions.