Lynda Out

Ousted Cabinet minister Lynda Tabuya will soon face the People’s Alliance party (PA) Legal and National Disciplinary Sub-Committee.

Her political future is in jeopardy after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka removed her yesterday as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection over a viral nude video.

“This is not a decision I have taken lightly, but one that is necessary in the best interest of the people that we serve,” he said.

Mr Rabuka is also the People’s Alliance Party (PA) leader. He initiated the move to set up the disciplinary committee yesterday after receiving several complaints from party founders and members.

This was confirmed by PA general secretary Sila Balawa. Frustrated PA members took to social media to express their concerns.

The Disciplinary Sub-Committee investigates complaints from members submitted formally to the general secretary concerning all legal and disciplinary matters.

IT WAS PRIVATE

Mr Rabuka was questioned about the nude viral video on Christmas Eve. He said he had written to Ms Tabuya to explain herself.

On the same day, in an email sent to the PM and others, including this masthead, Ms Tabuya said the leaked private video was intended for her husband.

“There is nothing scandalous or illegal or immoral about sharing private videos and images between two consenting adults who are in a relationship, in this case me and my husband.”

Yesterday after the PM issued his statement, Ms Tabuya posted on her Facebook page: “Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Keep going Fiji, happy Boxing Day.” This was followed by two heart emojis.

The post was deleted minutes later.

PA process

Mr Balawa confirmed that the disciplinary mechanisms in the party constitution have been initiated.

“The party is concerned because of its image to the public.

“However, we do not condone a trial by media but we want all sides of the story to be heard and given serious consideration before arriving at a conclusion to the whole matter.”

The last time PA initiated such disciplinary hearing was in January over allegations of sex and drugs scandal between Ms Tabuya and SODELPA leader and Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro.

This emerged after alleged text messages between the pair surfaced on social media and messaging platforms.

Both complaints were initiated under Section 27.5 of the People’s Alliance party Constitution.

Section 27.5

Section 27.5 of the party constitution states that:

(a) the disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by a complaint in writing delivered to the Legal and National Disciplinary Sub-Committee, in so far as the complaint relates to the affairs of the Party.

(b) Proceeding of the Legal and National Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall be held in camera or recorded and shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Natural Justice.

(c) The Legal and National Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall, within twenty-one (21) days of the receipt of a complaint, conduct its deliberations on the matter, and make its recommendation thereon to the People’s Management Committee, except that the period of twenty-one (21) days may, in appropriate circumstances, be extended by the People’s Management Committee.

(d) The determination of any question or matter before the Legal and National Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall be in accordance with the opinion of the majority of the members of the Committee.

(e) The Legal and National Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person in the performance of its function.

Party constitution

Under the PA constitution, a complaint shall involve an allegation that any of the following acts of misconduct relates to a member;

- Violation of the duties of a member;

- Violent, dangerous or intimidatory conduct against another member;

- Falsification of reports, accounts or expense claims or other fraudulent conduct;

- Wilful damage to party property; breach of the duty to uphold publicity party policy;

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj