Tabuya Presents Matanigasau
“She stated in her matanigasau that much has been said and the only way to move forward is for one to learn from one’s mistakes and continue to contribute in what she can offer to the people of Fiji.
Saturday 08 March 2025 | 00:32
From left: Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Alitia Bainivalu, Government backbencher Lynda Tabuya, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua. Photo: Parliament of Fij
Government backbencher Lynda Tabuya presented a matanigasau (traditional apology) to the Coalition Government on Thursday.
The matanigasau was presented by a Turaga ni Vanua o’ Nacolase, Tavuki Ratu Apakuki Nanovo on behalf of Ms Tabuya and the chiefs of Kadavu, stating that they wished to apologise on behalf of a daughter of Kadavu who had wronged Government.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka had dismissed Ms Tabuya from Cabinet last December following the emergence of an explicit video of her dancing, which surfaced on Christmas Eve.
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Ms Tabuya acknowledged the video’s authenticity, asserting that it was intended for her former husband, Robert Semaan, from whom she divorced in 2016.
A statement yesterday on the Fiji Government Facebook, acknowledged the matanigasau was witnessed by members of the Coalition Government caucus at the Government Office in Parliament, before Thursday’s Parliamentary Sitting.
“In the presentation of her matanigasau to Government, Honourable Lynda Tabuya apologised for her actions which have brought disrepute to Parliament, Government, and the people of Fiji,” the statement said.
“She stated in her matanigasau that much has been said and the only way to move forward is for one to learn from one’s mistakes and continue to contribute in what she can offer to the people of Fiji.
“Ms Tabuya’s matanigasau was also for the Tovata and Burebasaga confederacies, as they collectively acknowledged that a daughter of their vanua embarrassed Government.
“To underscore the nature of the matanigasau presented today, the Prime Minister asked, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica to receive the matanigasau on behalf of Government.”
Remember the oath
Following the matanigasau, Mr Rabuka again reminded his caucus to come together for the common good and continue to serve the best interest of the people and at the same time, maintain the integrity of the office one holds.
Mr Rabuka said that before becoming ministers, all Members of Parliament also promised to act with integrity and diligently carry out their duties before assuming their role as legislators in Parliament.
“He then reminded the caucus that Ministers and Assistant Ministers make a solemn undertaking to uphold honour, integrity and dignity of the offices they hold, in a ceremony administered by the President and Head of State and witnessed by the nation and this promise should not be taken lightly,” the statement said.
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