Lynda Tabuya, left, and Sitiveni Rabuka. 4 February 2023 Photo: Facebook / Lynda Tabuya
Fiji's Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya, who is in the middle of an alleged sex and drug controversy, will reportedly retain her portfolio according to the country's prime minister - a decision welcomed by a women's rights campaigner.
Tabuya was removed as the deputy leader of the People's Alliance Party (PAP) last week, after the allegations caused "irreparable damage" to the governing party.
On Monday, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told local journalists that the party decides and he was "still considering" whether or not he would take any action.
But the next day, he reportedly told state broadcaster FBC that Tabuya will remain in his Cabinet as his Women's Minister and there were no official complaints lodged against her.
Rabuka reportedly told FBC he would not make "decisions based solely on unverified allegations".
Shamima Ali said Rabuka made the right call. Photo: Supplied/FWCC
Fiji Women's Crisis Centre coordinator Shamima Ali said Rabuka made the right call.
"Definitely very happy with the decision. There was no evidence found against her," Ali said.
She said Rabuka should now "reverse the decision for Tabuya to be the deputy leader."
"Women's leadership is in danger here. It's not about being a woman, it's about if the same standards were applied across the board then all is fair," she said.
However, the prime minister's deicison has been slammed by the Labour Party.
The party said the coalition government "has been wrecked by internal problems and scandals, and weak and questionable leadership".
"The Prime Minister has shocked the nation by retaining Lynda Tabuya as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection despite the findings of the PAP disciplinary Committee which removed her as Deputy Party Leader after examining allegations of a sex and drug scandal with a Cabinet colleague."
Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu also called on Rabuka to make the "tough decision" and "act" to remove Tabuya as minister.
