BTL has been asked why Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya was not sitting at the table when New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with Opposition MPs.

That’s a question for the Opposition Office to answer. Ms Tabuya was sitting at the back of the Ardern team against the wall.

Some have suggested that she should have been sitting at the table because of her position.

Leader of the Opposition Sitiveni Rabuka, who is away in Australia, had nominated Ro Teimumu Kepa to sit in for him. Ro Filipe Tuisawau was there in his capacity as SODELPA president. Was Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu there as a former SODELPA president?

Did Mr Rabuka nominate all of them? What about Ms Tabuya? Biman Prasad was there as National Federation Party leader.

Some SODELPA members are asking whether Ms Tabuya was sidelined? The photo showing her tucked away at the back near the door was not a good look, her supporters say. Maybe the Opposition Office can clarify what happened there.

But the Opposition  Whip’s role has been under review internally by SODELPA.

A discussion paper had suggested that the role should be rotated to give others the opportunity to gain experience in it.

But one of her ardent fans says “Lest we forget, Lynda scored the second-highest number of votes for SODELPA in the 2018 General Election. Mr Rabuka polled the highest with 77,040 votes while she got 8795 votes. Ro Teimumu scored 6036 votes, Ro Filipe 2835 votes, Ratu Naiqama 2165 votes. Give her due recognition.”

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