Calls for the dismissal of Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, have intensified following her recent remarks advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry expressed his strong disapproval, urging Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to fire Tabuya for making statements on such sensitive issues without consulting the Cabinet or him.
Chaudhry emphasized the importance of collective decision-making within the government, stating, “She should be sacked for speaking on matters without consultation. It is an important issue.” Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube echoed this sentiment, asserting that Tabuya’s comments reflected a lack of respect for the Prime Minister and underscored the need for clearer policies and guidelines regarding ministerial communications.
Tabuya’s remarks indicated her support for exploring the death penalty as a means to combat drug trafficking, citing vulnerabilities in Fiji’s borders. However, her suggestion faced backlash from various groups including human rights advocates and legal experts, with the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission labeling her comments a severe violation of human rights. The organization emphasized the need for a humane approach to drug issues, while the Fiji Law Society pointed out that the death penalty contradicts provisions in the 2013 Constitution.
During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka criticized Tabuya’s comments as ill-conceived and reiterated the necessity for Cabinet discussions prior to public statements on such critical matters. He indicated that the issue would be addressed in the upcoming Cabinet meeting, highlighting that the death penalty remains illegal under the current Constitution.
In his recent address to the Fijian community in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka reassured that the government is actively working to combat the drug problem in Fiji, emphasizing the need for a united front against drug-related crimes.