Backbencher Lynda Tabuya is being considered for reappointment as the Minister for Information, as expressed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The Prime Minister believes that Ms. Tabuya’s personality and her ability to connect with the press make her the right choice for the role. He indicated that he sees the possibility of her returning to Cabinet but did not clarify if this would lead to a reshuffle.
Ms. Tabuya was previously removed from her ministerial role in December due to an explicit video that gained significant attention. She confirmed the video was genuine and was intended for her ex-husband, Robert Semaan. Following her dismissal, Ms. Tabuya kept her parliamentary seat after a disciplinary hearing decided she did not intend to tarnish the reputation of her party, the People’s Alliance (PA).
When asked for comments, Ms. Tabuya mentioned that she had not officially been approached regarding her potential new role, expressing her commitment to her constituents and advocating for more women in Cabinet. Currently, only two other women serve alongside her in the Cabinet. She emphasized the importance of connecting with the public over the past couple of months, highlighting their social needs requiring government attention.
In the last general elections, Ms. Tabuya received the highest number of votes among female candidates and the fourth highest overall, signaling solid support from her constituents. Her political journey has led to discussions around accountability and the treatment of public figures in light of their private lives.
As this situation evolves, it provides an opportunity for dialogue on second chances within politics. Ms. Tabuya’s prospective return could reflect the PA’s commitment to reconciliation and re-establishing trust with the electorate. Moving forward, her narrative exemplifies the resilience in political careers and the potential for positive change despite personal challenges.
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