Former Prime Minister and Leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, has expressed his approval of the recent dismissal of Lynda Tabuya from her position as Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Child Protection due to confirmed reports of her gross misconduct. Chaudhry emphasized that her removal from the ministerial role raises additional questions about her continued status as a Member of Parliament.
Chaudhry noted that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka could have mitigated embarrassment for his government and the People’s Alliance party by taking decisive action against Tabuya’s reported indiscretions earlier, particularly during her official visit to Australia, which ultimately led to her removal as deputy leader of the party.
He asserted, “The question now is whether Tabuya should be allowed to remain a Member of Parliament? We say, definitely not.” He urged fellow MPs to uphold the dignity of Parliament by referring Tabuya to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee for expulsion. Furthermore, he suggested that law enforcement should conduct a separate investigation into the allegations involving drug and pornography offences.
This situation highlights the importance of accountability and integrity within government roles, and Chaudhry’s remarks call for a thorough examination of standards expected from elected officials. As Fiji navigates these challenges, the emphasis on ethical conduct can serve as a foundation for rebuilding public trust and ensuring effective governance.
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