Former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed his support for the dismissal of Lynda Tabuya from her role as Minister for Women, Social Welfare, and Child Protection following reports of her serious misconduct. Chaudhry argues that not only should Tabuya be removed from her ministerial position, but she should also be disqualified from continuing as a Member of Parliament.
He emphasized that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka could have spared his government and the People’s Alliance party considerable embarrassment had he taken action against Tabuya months ago when allegations of her misconduct surfaced during an official trip to Australia, leading to her removal as deputy leader within her party.
Chaudhry questioned whether it was appropriate for Tabuya to continue holding parliamentary office, insisting on a definitive “No.” He stated that if the MPs value the integrity of Parliament, they ought to promptly refer Tabuya to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee for potential expulsion. Furthermore, he insisted that the police should conduct an investigation into the allegations of drug and pornography offenses associated with her.
This situation highlights the ongoing commitment to accountability and integrity within Fiji’s political landscape. Leaders advocating for swift and decisive action against misconduct can help restore public confidence in governmental institutions.
Moreover, calls for a thorough investigation signal a willingness among some political figures to prioritize ethical standards, which is crucial for the health of democracy in Fiji.
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