Never before has the old saying about money being the root of all evil had more resonance than as both sides of politics in Fiji implode over the scandalous salary and benefits increases the pigs at the trough of our parliament approved for themselves last week and which triggered a national outcry.
As the Fiji Sun headline puts it this morning, it is a disaster for the Coalition – with the Chair of the “Emoluments Committee”, Lynda Tabuya, engaged in open warfare with the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Biman Prasad, branding him a liar and pushing the already tenuous unity of the Coalition to breaking point. Prasad says he is “too focussed on the budget preparations to respond”. But the NFP leader cannot allow this astonishing attack on him and his party to go unchallenged without further damaging his already precarious public standing.
The coconut wireless is even more feverish than usual about what it all means. One story has it that Lynda Tabuya is attacking Biman Prasad on Sitiveni Rabuka’s behalf not only because he voted against the parliamentary windfall but because they got wind of him talking to FijiFirst. Another is that the Prime Minister is ratcheting up the pressure on the NFP leader as part of the PAP’s overall plan to cut the NFP loose, including demoting him after the budget and replacing him as Finance Minister with Manoa Kamikamica (see previous article). But whatever the overall game plan – assuming there is one and this isn’t just total chaos – how much humiliation can Biman Prasad take?
As Grubsheet has already observed, the NFP leader cannot allow Lynda Tabuya and Sitiveni Rabuka – with his more subtle “I will take action” threat- to keep kicking sand in his face with open criticism in the national media, however much he has his hands full preparing to deliver the annual economic blueprint on June 30. Being called a liar by the Queen of Tarts – the degenerate adulteress, drug taker and Fiji’s biggest ever personal debtor (more than F$100-million owed to American creditors*) is the final straw. It cannot go unanswered.
That the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, is allowing Lynda Tabuya to publicly attack the man who keeps him in government with the NFP’s five seats is intolerable. Lynda Tabuya is beyond shameless and like Manoa Kamikamica and Filimoni Vosarogo, is on the public record having said before the last election that MPs were paid too much and needed to take a bath. Some bath. So she – along with her PAP colleagues – are appalling hypocrites who have betrayed their promises to the Fijian people to govern frugally and with restraint.
For Lynda Tabuya to brand Biman Prasad a liar is perhaps the greatest instance in Fijian political history of a pot calling a kettle black. Nine months ago, Lynda Tabuya lied to the Prime Minister who, in turn, lied to the nation when she denied allegations about her now infamous drug-fuelled “brutal” sex encounter with her fellow minister, Aseri Radrodro, in Room 233 of Melbourne’s Windsor Hotel. That “incident” – as the PM now describes it – was subsequently found proven after an investigation by a People’s Alliance disciplinary committee and Lynda Tabuya was stripped of the deputy leadership of the PAP.
Sitiveni Rabuka must now be ruing the day that he decided to ignore the committee’s recommendations and keep Lynda Tabuya in the cabinet as Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection. Never has anyone been less suitable for the position. But as this public brawl with Biman Prasad again demonstrates, the Queen of Tarts is a loose cannon on the deck of the Coalition who threatens to blow up the entire ship. She is not only louche but has zero political judgment and is as dangerous in politics as she is on the prowl.
Maybe she really has got the Prime Minister’s backing to attack the NFP leader as payback for not supporting the unconscionable package of goodies for the parliament’s fat cats. But given her history of lying about other things, her claims about Biman Prasad cannot be accepted as being anywhere near gospel truth. And even if they have a skerrick of veracity, it is the airing of the Coalition’s dirty linen in public that is the worse political crime and would be unacceptable in any political grouping anywhere in the world.
If he has clean hands himself, the Prime Minister now has two choices. Sack Lynda Tabuya for destabilising the Coalition and bringing it into even further disrepute, apologise to Biman Prasad for her attack on him, set the proposed parliamentary increases aside to quell the current public outcry and try to get the ship of state back on course. Or with less than a month to go before the 18 month point of the government, set in motion what will soon be open to him under the Constitution – a fresh election to end the chaos in the Coalition government and set the nation on a more stable course. Come to think of it, he should do both. Sack Lynda Tabuya for her outrageous conduct AND engineer a fresh election.
The sole complication is that under Section 62 of the Constitution, a resolution at the 18 month point for an early election must be moved by the Opposition leader. (see below) How long Inia Seruiratu will be Opposition Leader is suddenly an open question and he may well no longer be there by the time of the next parliamentary sitting. Could Faiyaz Koya, for arguments sake, be persuaded to trigger the process? Perhaps not, given FijiFirst’s sudden weakened state. Though maybe Lynda Tabuya is right about Biman Prasad holding talks with FijiFirst with a view to double crossing his current partners. After the way he has been treated, who could really blame him?
The other alternative is a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister under Section 94 that can be moved at any time by any member. (see below) The popular wisdom until now is that this risked delivering government to FijiFirst but that is also suddenly no longer the case. Yet there’s another complication in that under Section 94, the mover of the resolution has to nominate a replacement. Can Sitiveni Rabuka be recommended to replace himself? Or is this when the old war horse steps aside to enjoy his lucrative retirement package? Either way, a fresh election is in the national interest because the mounting instability of recent weeks simply cannot continue until the next scheduled poll in 2026..
For the NFP, there is a strong argument for going to the polls now rather than wait another two years. The Party and its leader are riding a wave of public support for their principled stand in refusing to vote for Lynda Tabuya’s shocking feather-bedding. A campaign focussed on integrity could conceivably not only preserve the NFP’s existing seats but win it more. And whether it joins forces with FijiFirst or sticks with the Coalition, the current disarray in the ranks of FijiFirst is a huge plus. It may well need the NFP to remain competitive at all.
Securing a fresh election as soon as possible would catch the biggest bloc in the parliament with its pants down. Its leader is in jail and the party’s real power, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, may be close behind him. And there is no way that FijiFirst will do as well at a fresh election given the imminent probable sacking of its parliamentary leader and 15 of its top luminaries for defying the party directive not to vote for Lynda Tabuya’s orgy of self indulgence.
A fresh election would also benefit everyone by making it far less likely that SODELPA would meet the 5 per cent threshold. The new SODELPA leader, Aseri Radrodro is a political dead man walking – not only one of the fat cats who voted “yes” to his lover’s package but a domestic violence abuser who almost killed the Prime Minister’s daughter a decade ago and gave Lynda Tabuya the rogering in Room 233 that made it difficult for her to walk. Rest assured that the nation will be voting for integrity in government whenever a fresh election is called and Aseri Radrodro and his fallen paramour don’t have any.
Lynda Tabuya is plainly quite mad and it is no longer an option for the Prime Minister to keep her. For the first time yesterday, Sitiveni Rabuka referred to the “incident” between Tabuya and Aseri Radrodro knowing that the whole country is aware of the details and he doesn’t have to elaborate. The “Snake” is doing what he always does – slithering to and fro and waiting for the chance to wrap himself around his victim’s neck and strangle whoever it may be.
Assuming she isn’t his stalking horse, Rabuka now has the reason he needs to sack the Queen of Tarts for her extraordinary attack on Biman Prasad that has driven a truck through Coalition unity. He will also soon have the constitutional ability to trigger a fresh election. And with Frank Bainimarama in jail and Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum having to quell a rebellion in FijiFirst, the stars have suddenly aligned for the Prime Minister to act.
Doing nothing is no longer an option. Because the Coalition has become a gravy train careering out of control and struggling to remain on the tracks. Sitiveni Rabuka can either grab the controls and right it or he will eventually go over the side with the rest of his tatty complement of fellow travellers, freeloaders and incompetents. The nation is crying out for stability and better governance and his place in history will be determined by whether he is capable of providing it.
POSTSCRIPT: Lynda Tabuya quoting the “independent consultant” from the UNDP, Kevin Deveaux, as somehow justifying her Committee’s decision to give MPs a golden shower ignores the fact that he specifically recommended that any emolument increase be made by a genuinely independent body and not MPs themselves. In any event, it is the first time anyone from the PAP has taken any notice of what a white man thinks about anything. Only when it suits them, of course.
Lynda Tabuya’s astonishing press release that has triggered an internecine brawl.
The NFP’s angry response…
Biman Prasad himself “too busy” to respond. But you can bet that a stream of invective will be flowing behind the scenes.
The body language never lies. The two “partners” yesterday.
In any event, the PM seems to be back peddling furiously on the parliamentary salary package in the face of a public uproar…
Another fierce editorial in the Fiji Sun…
But good old Fred is still talking about anything else.
While the Ostrich at the Fiji Times continues to bury his head in the sand, public sentiment on social media is unforgiving…
Here’s a thought from a Grubsheet reader in our comments section:
Section 62 of the Constitution on how to bring on an early election:
And Section 94 on a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister.
And finally, a reminder of Lynda Tabuya’s “colourful” financial history in America…
Weilei o nau Lynda…there seems to be at least some truth in her rambling according to the NFP press release…”for the most part false”.
But Fiji Sun man! On fire right now!
Which politicians are honest then?
They are all fu#k$$n liars. That’s why we call them honourable member of parliament.
You call election tomorrow
Rabuka and his party will win outright
There’s no two ways about this
It’s only the educated few who knows exactly what is happening and that’s why the news is about government everyday, the rest are doing lotu ,watching rugby and praising Rabuka to bring back power to the hands of Fijians(itaukei)
Go and watch Drua play this Saturday and one will find that there’s no poverty in Fiji
You are absolutely right Sanjay and Rabuka and his gang of thieves know it too.
If it is true what Ditoka said he spent 100k for his campaign, and also if it is truth in stories that former RFMF Commander Naipoto foolishly sold his family house to campaign, then I can bet you the high cost of campaigning and the fear of just becoming another ATM for people seeking handouts will deter many of the current crop of politicians from putting their hand up once again.
There is one thing Ditoka said that is right, tgst under our current political system only the rich can afford to run in the elections.
This should be a worry to all as it gives an advantage to businesses to manipulate public policy through campaign contributions.
Not sure about Naupoto selling his house
FFP had heaps of donated money
They were funded by elite and rich
Even a new born baby donated money to FFP
800,0000 people disagree with your analysis.
Go away with your sarcasm Sanjay. You do not live in my type of neighbourhood where on a Sunday, close to lunch time a lonesome child will walk back from the store with sunbell and noodles, or, a gallon filled with a litre of kerosene.
I am with Lynda on this one, we all know the immense pressure she has been under, this time she cracked at the duplicity shown by Biman Prasad, we are talking abt a Professor here, who least of all should understand the due process .
To go along with the salary review then suddenly change his tune at the last minute without giving the chair of the Parliamentary the respect of a quiet conversation beforehand is unforgiving.
I don’t blame Lynda for her outburst. In fact, I congratulate her for her being honest with the people, for a change. For she has revealed to the public the extent of liu muri that goes on in the Coalition.
A picture speaks a thousand words. Biman’s eyes while shaking hands with the Prime Minister are the eyes of Brutus after shafting Ceaser.
They tell the story of a thief who has been found out, and just checking on his mentally enfeebled boss to observe if there is any negative reaction towards him.
My last point, Lynda’s accusation of NFP beginning coalition talks with the opposition FFP has nothing to do about cabinet confidentiality.
It is a matter of political and public interest. Biman Prasad should stop hiding behind an anymore party press release that he himself obviously penned and come out with an explanation.
To give the reason that he is fully focussed on the budget is a lame excuse. That’s the job of his staff. Maybe this time round he will consult with Lynda abt cuts he proposes to make to her Ministry’s budget that he failed to do last time?
Don’t side with a fake liar and cheater. Siding with Lynda Tabuya is like siding with a snake. You dont know when the snake will turn around and bite you in the ass.
Nah nah nah
Brutality from Radrodro not good enough
Should do a Bukaki
Lynda Tabuya says that Biman Prasad had intentionally (lied) in parliament (LT’s press stratement, paragraph 4 third line) and under the Westminster system parliamentary assemblies if that were true then it is a very serious charge could result in BP held in contempt of parliament. Gov’t ministers who are found to have misled parliament will generally lose their ministerial portfolio. Or by convention, a minister found to have mislead parliament is expected to resign or face being sacked.
I am surprised the FFP parliamentarians remain silent on this point of order!
You speak of a different age.
The fascist West has a new ethos of lie, cheat, steal, sanction, destroy, kill, genocide.
Fijians emulate the West and so their morals are our morals as we slip on their ethos like a white sheep skin coat.
The minister of sex, drugs and implosion has two Facebook pages. One where she deletes negative comments and one where there are close to 500 negative comments about the pay rise which she is openly defending with the members of public in somewhat unprofessional manner. Disaster in every sense.
The ‘incident’. I wondered about whether the PM was acknowledging this for the first time in public.
As for NFP, I may have missed what else have they said in the media that has got Lynda so cross. I have only seen NFP vote against the pay rise. Have they followed that up with done nasty comments about Madam Lynda?
Agree with Mr Grubs, early election. Rishi sunak the highly unpopular and possibly loser in the next election only triggered it to take advantage of a good economy nothing else. In Fiji NFP and Some PAP could come out big winners with no need for 3 legs.
Bubu Lynda, you are growing increasingly unstable and shameful by the day- are you seriously alright upstairs? coz things ain’t looking so grand for you.
In your recent outburst- you once again do what you do best which is bring much disrepute to the Fiji Government and Fiji as a whole. You make Govt look like a confused bunch of idiots to the watching world. The right hand doesn’t know what the left is doing, slapping each other around the park, squabbling like headless chooks in the process.
Looks like all those your old skeletons in the closet are emerging to haunt the living daylights out of you. If there was seriously any moral decency left within the ranks, they would do well to expel this classless excuse for a woman. . Enjoyed stolen wealth off thousands of Americans years ago, now stealing from her own people right under their noses. A homewrecker, sexual deviant, drunk, drugged out donkey of a woman. One needs to read the comments on Lynda’s latest post ( a “mouthful” piece at that) to witness the fact that she and PAP may indeed be history soon. Loosing all credibility and support they previously held with the people.
Jezebel is bringing the house down. AND AHAB along with her.
Itaukei will either shut their mouth or may comment of what is happening bad or good around them,but when ,election comes or any other matter in regards to itaukei they will vote or stand for the same person
They have very strong Fijianism within themselves
It was only Aiyaz with power of military that oppressed them
Not gonna happen this time until otherwise
Itaukei or Kaiviti you call them,are all related, even if they staying in different parts of the world
Taciqu is the word
Take a good, hard look, folks: the PM’s conduct is what weak and ineffective leadership looks like – and the people of Fiji stand to lose the most. It’s time to end this mummer’s farce of a Government
So she knew about what Biman did last budget and kept quiet all this time.
She fails to talk about her husband’s multimillion payout for GCC without tender.
Lynda is a narcissist.
Anyone who holds this woman in high regard is sick themselves.
She is unstable and unsafe.
As we said GD, she will go down fast and take the whole Coalition with her.
Even a snap election is beyond fixing Fiji now.
Let love shine 🙂
Good on you NFP for standing on moral high ground, seems like the only party left with a good conscious & Hats off to Fiji sun for covering news that matter.
looks like its redemption season Fiji
Terminate Tabuya already!!!
Baimaan Prasad should have known that by not standing up and voicing his concerns about the ministerial bonking and sex romp in Melbourne, and these two being reappointed to their ministerial positions be was being subservient and a lapdog of the coalition to protect his pay and his position.
Now the same sextress is going to f*ck him.
As for going to bed with Rabuka “because he had changed and he had complete trust in him” – well we will see what happens. He was quoting the long dead Jai Ram Reddy about how Rabuka had changed. How can he and Jai Ram Reddy be so stupid. A lot of Fijians were conned as well.
But the most amazing thing is that if an election were held today, Rabuka and his mob would romp in, because most Fijians want idiots to run government. That has been the realty and that will be the realty going forward.
Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned. She is now frothing at the mouth because she and others were denied more money and perks. She now is spilling every dark and sordid secrets of Gov which would have never come to light otherwise. Just look at all of them, Beiman, Rabs, FFP all culpable and guilty as hell. There is a God.
Lynda Tabua sucks valuable oxygen from the Coalition Government. she is a political liability. Selfish, unprincipled, a moron, has contributed nothing to society, a disgraced bonking liar with absolutely no moral values.
She needs to be fired from Cabinet or defeated at the next election. She is a menace to society.
I believe Baimann Prasad should call the police on Lynda Tabuya for her attack on him and he might like to also lodge a complaint with them against her for engaging in adultery and weed smoking in Melbourne whilst the wife of her lover slept in a room next door.
Million dollar theft/scandal in the US, an extra marital sexual scandal whilst abroad on official Government duties, Drug and alcohol scandal whilst away on official duties, Cabinet confidentiality breach after a long winded attempt to save face. What else do the PM and PAP team need to figure out that this political prostitute is no good for Fiji?
Act now. She’s costing the nation.
The PM will follow his “process”.
Just like the process of emptying the National bank to creditors with no ability to pay back.
Just like the “process” of allowing two ministers to perform sexual healing in room 233.
His “process” is very generous which generally ends up in disaster with him suffering the most through bottle collection.
It’s a “ process”.
While the Ostrich at the Fiji Times continues to bury his head in the sand, public sentiment on social media is unforgiving……
From the aptly Butt street with his pony tail sticking out! Haha
It always astonishes me that people in Lynda’s position don’t take a breath and just run their meandering diatribes through s grammar checker. It’s hard to read such embarrassing drivel. It sounds like a drunken rant, probably furiously tapped out whilst naked and texting AR or her next victim, whilst drinking copious amounts of Jack. Pathetic. Embarrassing. Sanctimonious. Foolhardy. It would be shocking, but she seems to have a huge leash to do and say whatever she pleases. I hope the reason is uncovered eventually.
This salary and allowance thing is like stray dogs fighting for a piece of meat near Raiwaqa market