Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has sidestepped questions regarding potential consequences for Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya, following her recent remarks about reinstating the death penalty for drug-related offenses. These comments, which suggest using the death penalty as a measure for drug criminals utilizing Fiji as a transit hub for illegal substances, were deemed inappropriate as they had not been previously discussed within the Cabinet.
Earlier this week, Rabuka mentioned that the Cabinet would address Tabuya’s actions. Tabuya has a history of disregarding Cabinet protocols, leading to increasing calls for her removal from her ministerial position.
In a recent interview, Rabuka noted that he did not want to jump to conclusions about the matter. “The issue of Lynda Tabuya has not been dealt with,” he stated. He explained that he had not been in Fiji long enough to fully handle the situation, which was expected to be discussed by the Cabinet on Tuesday.
Rabuka expressed disappointment that Tabuya shared her opinion publicly before the Cabinet could deliberate on the topic.