Calls for the dismissal of Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, have intensified this week following her recent proposal for the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry criticized her remarks, stating that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka should remove her from office for making such statements without consulting the Cabinet or the Prime Minister.
Chaudhry emphasized the seriousness of the matter, noting that it was inappropriate for Tabuya to make such comments without proper discussion. This sentiment was echoed by Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji Party, who expressed that Tabuya’s remarks showed a lack of respect for Rabuka’s leadership. He argued that important issues require careful consideration and that ministers should not speak on sensitive topics independently.
Tabuya asserted her belief in the necessity of introducing the death penalty to protect Fiji’s borders, citing vulnerabilities to drug trafficking. However, her comments faced backlash from various sectors, including human rights advocates and social media users. The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission labeled her statements as a serious human rights violation, while others underscored that the death penalty is considered a cruel form of punishment and is not permitted under the current Constitution of Fiji.
During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting held in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka stated that Tabuya’s comments were inappropriate and that she should have consulted the Cabinet prior to speaking on such a controversial issue. He expressed hopes that this matter would be addressed in the upcoming Cabinet meeting.
This incident is not the first time Tabuya has attracted negative attention, as she previously faced scrutiny due to allegations concerning drug use and personal conduct earlier this year.
In his address to the Fijian community in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated the government’s commitment to combatting the drug problem in Fiji. He called for collective efforts to address crime, particularly drug-related offenses, pointing to initiatives in Sabeto Village aimed at curbing drug use by restricting nighttime movement in and out of the area.