Suva, Fiji – February 5, 2025
In a recent development, the People’s Alliance Party (PAP) has affirmed that Lynda Tabuya will continue to serve as a Member of Parliament, despite her earlier dismissal from the Cabinet. This decision follows the circulation of a private explicit video, which led to her removal as the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection.
PAP’s General Secretary, Sila Balawa, emphasized the party’s commitment to principles of forgiveness and second chances. “In the spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and second chances, it has been agreed that Ms. Tabuya will remain an MP in the People’s Alliance party,” Balawa stated.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka supported the party’s decision, highlighting the thorough deliberations undertaken by the National Legal Disciplinary Sub-Committee. He noted that the choice to retain Tabuya as an MP aligns with the party’s values and the broader interests of the nation.
The controversy began when a private video of Tabuya was leaked and widely shared on social media platforms. Tabuya condemned the dissemination of the video, labeling it a severe invasion of privacy and asserting that the content was intended solely for her husband.
In response to the video’s circulation, Prime Minister Rabuka exercised his constitutional authority to dismiss Tabuya from her ministerial role in December 2024. Despite her removal from the Cabinet, Tabuya retained her position as a Member of Parliament.
The PAP’s recent decision underscores a focus on rehabilitation and the acknowledgment of personal privacy. As the situation evolves, it highlights the complex interplay between personal conduct, public expectations, and the principles of forgiveness within political frameworks.
