Calls for the dismissal of Lynda Tabuya, the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, intensified this week following her recent statement advocating for the death penalty for drug traffickers in Fiji. Former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry publicly urged Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to remove her from her position, asserting that she should not comment on such serious matters without first consulting the Cabinet or the Prime Minister.
Chaudhry emphasized the importance of the issue, saying, “He should fire her. She should be sacked as the Minister for speaking on matters without consultation.” This sentiment was echoed by Savenaca Narube, leader of the Unity Fiji Party, who criticized Tabuya’s remarks as disrespectful to both the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, calling for clearer policies and limits on ministerial communications.
Tabuya had called for the death penalty, stating it was necessary to protect the nation from the trafficking of large quantities of drugs, voicing concerns over Fiji’s vulnerability and border security. However, her comments faced backlash from various sectors, including human rights advocates and legal experts. The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission described her comments as a serious violation of human rights, while others criticized the death penalty as a cruel punishment and noted that it is not permissible under the 2013 Constitution.
During the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Tonga, Prime Minister Rabuka stated that Tabuya’s comments were inappropriate and that she should have consulted the Cabinet before making such controversial remarks. He expressed hope that this issue would be addressed in the upcoming Cabinet meeting, emphasizing that the death penalty is illegal according to the current Constitution.
This is not the first controversy surrounding Tabuya, as she has previously faced scrutiny over allegations of drug use and personal indiscretions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rabuka reiterated the government’s commitment to combating Fiji’s drug problem and highlighted the need for cooperative efforts to confront crime effectively, using measures like restricted nighttime movement in affected areas.