Former Prime Minister and leader of the Fiji Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, has expressed his approval of the recent removal of Lynda Tabuya from her position as Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Child Protection due to confirmed reports of gross misconduct. Chaudhry believes that Tabuya should not continue to serve as a Member of Parliament, suggesting that her actions have undermined the respect and integrity expected within the parliamentary system.
He emphasized that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka could have mitigated potential embarrassment for his government by addressing similar misconduct allegations against Tabuya earlier in the year, particularly during her official visit to Australia, which ultimately led to her dismissal as deputy leader of the People’s Alliance Party.
“The question now is whether Tabuya should be allowed to remain a Member of Parliament. We say, definitely not,” Chaudhry stated, urging fellow MPs to demonstrate respect for parliamentary decorum by referring Tabuya to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee for expulsion. He also called for a police investigation into the allegations, which include drug and pornography offenses.
This situation underscores the importance of accountability in political office and could serve as a catalyst for reinforcing ethical standards within Fiji’s government. It highlights the collective responsibility of lawmakers to uphold the integrity of their positions, which can restore public confidence in political institutions.
In light of these developments, it is hopeful that such measures could lead to a more transparent and responsible governance approach in Fiji, where accountability and ethical conduct become foundational principles for all public officials.
Leave a comment