Editorial: Pack It Up, PAP

It did not take him long to turn from Code of Ethics to "nobody told me", but Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is quickly becoming legless and

beguiled by his sole senior female Cabinet minister, who, against public outcry, has remained in her cushy seat.

In doing so, he has shown the country his pretty undecisive side, which ranged from an initial and resounding "No" to attempts to save the Women's Minister at the heart of scandalous concerns of drugs and sex allegations.

A day later, Mr Rabuka said "Not yet" about a decision on Lynda Tabuya's fate.

But if he had an ear to the ground, he would know that the scandal - according to the court of public opinion - was no longer based on evidence, but on principle and character, hers and his to be precise.

The public - the same lot that put you in office to now finance your very existence through taxpayer funds -has made up its mind; there is no mincing of words now.

Instead, Mr Rabuka treats the public like a pendulum, like a joke, with great disdain and disregard - even as his own advisors tell him otherwise.,

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya retained her Cabinet seat after a decision by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (right). Photos: Leon Lord

Whose interests does he represent, if not himself and his cronies?

The writing is on the wall - she is done for - no one will believe her now.

If she cared enough for her party, for whatever thread of political posterity there may be - and it's not looking good so far - she would have done the honourable thing to step down.

But she appears not to take a hint when it is given.

As for Mr Rabuka, if he cannot remove her, he too should step down.

Pack it up, PAP Your ship out of Government beckons from the horizon.

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