Mahendra Chaudhry once again demonstrates that he is far from a spent force in politics and will be the man to watch next year with his withering condemnation of the government’s 17-member mission to Israel for the opening of Fiji’s new embassy in Jerusalem. (see below)
Chaudhry is a master strategist, beginning his assault with the leaking of the Foreign Affairs letter detailing the identities of members of the delegation including the Prime Minister’s security detail, something the Labour Party leader casts as a serious lapse of security.
The implication is that if the Coalition can’t keep such matters confidential, then there has been a serious breakdown of internal discipline and the Rabuka government cannot be trusted with the nation’s secrets.
Even Grubsheet – as a one-time professional strategist – initially failed to appreciate the potency of this. But, yes, if Fiji’s communications with a foreign government are to make it into the public domain within hours, how can any foreign government be confident that any correspondence remains confidential? It is a matter of trust and Fiji has failed the test.
But it gets worse. Because Mahendra Chaudhry also exploits the Prime Minister’s extraordinary decision to include Lynda Tabuya in the delegation to Israel with the following barbed comment.
The inverted commas around “Minister for Information” suggest that she is something else. Perhaps Minister for Disinformation or Propaganda. Or perhaps even that she is performing a service that goes beyond the usual duties of a minister.
Why has Lynda Tabuya been brought back into the cabinet when she was sacked as deputy leader of the People’s Alliance after her “brutal” sex antics with Aseri Radrodro and her drug taking in Room 233 of the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne? And after she was sacked as minister for women, children and social protection for making a pornographic video when she was co-chair of the government’s Anti-Porn Task Force?
Are the rumours true of a previous sexual entanglement with the Prime Minister? Are the rumours true that she has given Sitiveni Rabuka financial assistance in the past and was the source of his new gold Rolex to massage her way back into the ministry? It’s all there to read between the lines in the Labour leader’s nod-and-a-wink reference.
But then Chaudhry really sticks the knife in with his reference to Lynda Tabuya’s “track record of misconduct” being “well known to the Fijian people”. He is suggesting here that she is unfit to be part of any government delegation and will bring disrepute to Fiji when that track record becomes more widely known to a global audience.
Lynda Tabuya as “Minister for Information” is the Coalition’s face to the Fijian people and Fiji’s face to the world. She will be giving interviews to the regional and global media in the lead-up to the next election and as sure as the sun rises, her antics are going to come to their attention.
But Mahendra Chaudhry is also telegraphing here that Labour plans to make Lynda Tabuya’s “track record of misconduct” an issue in next year’s election as a means of casting doubt about the Coalition’s integrity and fitness for office as a whole. And it isn’t going to be pretty given the hard evidence that abounds of her wrongdoing.
This includes a formal letter to her from the People’s Alliance stripping her of the deputy leadership and giving the reason as a “sex and illicit drug scandal”. (see below) Plus all those explicit references to sex and “weed” in leaked messages between her and Aseri Radrodro and that astonishing “bush and butt” porn video.
The Labour Party leader is making it clear that all this is going to be fair game in an election campaign. And the notion that Tabuya and the Prime Minister and his Party can stumble through an avalanche of dirt and emerge unscathed at the ballot box is both a fantasy and hopelessly naive.
None of this will go away without decisive action on Sitiveni Rabuka’s part. Yet once again with the Israel extravaganza, he is leaving himself wide open.
1/ As Mahendra Chaudhry suggests, it is grossly insensitive to global opinion at a time when the Israeli government is being pilloried for its conduct in Gaza. This includes not only the 60-thousand Palestinians who have been killed but the journalists who are being deliberately targeted, some of whom the Labour Party leader references.
2/ It is not the time to be formally opening an embassy in Jerusalem in the presence of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, when Netanyahu is being accused of war crimes in Gaza and has become a global pariah.
3/ It is not the time to draw attention to Fiji’s close relationship with Israel when Fijian UN peacekeepers are on active duty there, will be vulnerable to any suggestion of not being independent and risk being bigger targets than usual.
4/ It is not the time for a sizeable delegation of 17 people to be traveling to Israel when there is already a great deal of criticism about the amount of time our politicians spend abroad and the generous allowances they are accruing.
But above all for the government’s own survival, it is not the time for Lynda Tabuya to be part of any official delegation overseas when her own party found her guilty of a “sex and illicit drug scandal” and she made a pornographic video when she was the government’s anti-porn crusader .
Mahendra Chaudhry has become the effective de-facto opposition leader in the absence of any protest from the official office holder, Inia Seruiratu. And Chaudhry’s public reference to Lynda Tabuya’s misconduct should be a warning to Sitiveni Rabuka that a great deal of political pain awaits him if he proceeds with this madness.
There is a misguided notion that Fiji is different from other nations in which Tabuya’s misconduct would have had her expelled from her party and the parliament. But politics is politics and no-one has such an illustrious history of playing politics effectively than the octogenarian warhorse and former Prime Minister.
Mahendra Chaudhry is going all out to make a comeback in the next parliament and exploit community disillusionment with the Coalition, especially Biman Prasad and the NFP. And as his latest statement indicates, he knows that Lynda Tabuya is soiled goods – a gift that will keep on giving – if the Prime Minister is foolish enough to fall into his trap.
Sitiveni Rabuka still has time to remove her from the delegation to Israel. And he should do so not so much for his own sake and the sake of the Coalition but for the sake of the nation’s reputation as a whole.
The leaked letter…
The letter from the PAP leadership – including the Prime Minister – sacking Lynda Tabuya as deputy party leader for a “sex and illicit drug scandal” that still hasn’t been published by any mainstream media organisation in Fiji. We can be sure that it will be used in the next election campaign.
Plus the other gift that for the opposition parties, is destined to keep giving – the source of the Prime Minister’s $150,000 gold Rolex.
He claims risibly that he retains the right to remain silent about who gave him the watch. But that will not survive a referral to FICAC or the blowtorch of an election campaign.
On their own, the gold Rolex and Lynda Tabuya’s licentious conduct are already major negatives for any government trying to regain the people’s trust. But together they are are extremely potent – especially if it transpires that Tabuya gave the Prime Minister this fabulously expensive bauble to buy her way back into favour when more than half the nation lives in poverty.
Last time I checked., Chaudhry and FLP was rejected at the polls last three general election, just saying.
Chaudhry is a one man army, you have to look around him and his handlers , there are no quality people that surrounds him, gone are the heydays when FLP had some very smart intelligent people, they all left FLP for a reason.
Anyways, everyone loves a good comeback story and 2026 will see if MPC makes a grand comeback.
You are forgetting two things. 1/ The implosion of FijiFirst has all of its voters – the majority at the 2022 election – looking for alternatives. 2/ Disillusionment with the NFP and Biman Prasad has also created an opportunity for Chaudhry.
I have already reported a prominent Indo-Fijian having told me that most if not all Indo-Fijians will vote for Labour because they think Biman Prasad has betrayed them. And I suspect that unless a new force emerges before the election, that could well be right.
This is always the case. First Graham will be in support of a politician and his or her party. Then when the politician and his party get into government, it doesn’t take long for Graham to start crying and turning against the politician and the party. First Graham cried about FijiFirst. And then Bee-man and NFP.
It’s called keeping the bastards honest, you drongo. When people are elected to public office promising better standards of governance, then they better deliver. Or, of course, it’s the job of people like me in the media to highlight their shortcomings. It’s how a proper democracy is supposed to function.
It is the job for people like you in the media? Quit being a wannabe.
A wannabe? I have Walkley and Logie Awards for journalism from Australia and a New York Festivals award from the United States. Plus the major prizes in journalism in the fields of higher education and medicine.
I had a 50 year career in journalism in the ABC, BBC, Nine and Seven networks, SBS and Sky News and have written for the most prestigious print outlets in the region, including The Australian, the Sydney Morning Herald, the Bulletin magazine etc. Oh, plus the Fiji Sun and Fiji Times.
I don’t need to prove a thing. Don’t believe me? Ask Charlie. He’s the self-appointed expert at sussing out dodgy CVs.
Why don’t you make a comic book out of all of your imaginary achievements? Working for 2-bit media organizations and getting some petty recognition doesn’t make you a big deal. Your wannabe tag becomes clear when you desperately try to convince people about your career. I guess now you’ll censor my comment. So much for freedom of speech.
Why would I censor this? If you want your credibility to self immolate, be my guest.
The phrase” Media Spin” comes to mind. In conjunction with “Straightforward reporting” . Controlled Narrative . Selective presentation of facts. Media ratings. Station Revenue. Career enhancing. Adrenalin.
(No futile debate intended with any journalist – award winning or otherwise)
Don’t write off FRANK BAINIMARAMA yet. He will make a comeback, just like Rabuka.
I think that Rabuka has a lock on the iTaukie votes and will win with a super majority. The Indian votes will be split majority with NFP ( I think). You see MPC has lost the Indian community and it will be very hard for him to make a comeback.
Look at his team, he is a one men army, can you pick two credible people inside the FLP that lends credibility to FLP.
You can’t be a one men show , genuine and lasting parties have a very large tent of strong and credible people.
Tell me, who can step in and take over FLP good forbid if MPC is no more.
Oh well only time will tell and we will know in about 18 months but I think MPC is a spent force in Fiji politics.
My hope is that this decision does not inadvertently jeopardize the safety of peacekeepers. They need to ensure this doesn’t create unintended negative consequences for the peacekeeping forces.
Hope away in vain as there will always be a blowback to this wasteful trip by Fiji’s F-List of eager-beavers, who are so desperate to cement their allegiance “in person” to a wanted-genocidal, war criminal, in return for ‘assistance’ to get them back into power in the coming GE. That much is crystal clear to everyone. Disgraceful.
I don’t want my taxes paying for this trip. Where is Fiscal Review Committee as I want to submit an application for a tax holiday!?
Please let me know what form I need to fill in GD, and who do I address application to?
I would write to the Chair of the Fiscal Review Committee direct. Richard Naidu’s postal address is:
Munro Leys
P.O Box 149,
Suva, Fiji.
If you prefer to hand deliver it, the street address is Pacific House, Butt Street.
That’s a great idea. I think we should all write and ask for a tax holiday. Or a daily allowance of a couple grand just for going to work.
Why would a person who was removed from office violently twice, held hostage and mistreated, embrace the perpetrator? Bad judgement? Or did he also think the dickhead had changed? And now he wants to be another recycled leading contender from 40 year ago. What is the matter with Fijians? It is not just bad judgement, they are all a bunch of imbeciles. hey all seem to love ‘comeback kids’.
How else do you explain the state of the country?
Let him take her and keep making a fool of himself – it will be good for the next election.
I think all we have left is the “enough rope” approach, as Rabuka will never see reason.
Why isn’t Afroz Ali of Lautoka on the list?
He is being lauded by the right-wing Christian fundamentalists in Fiji and even the Taliban for his actions against the infidels.
A scum like Graham will protect the loser.
I have no intention of protecting you, Slacker. Too big a loser to worry about.
You sure do have a problem in knowing about slackers, don’t you? This is why I told you to watch Naruto/Shippuden/Boruto. But then again, you were born in Fiji. It means you’re like the rest of the people from Fiji. And that is the fact that Fijians have a low understanding and knowledge of things.
The media once again caught napping. None of them have asked whether this trip is sponsored or footed by taxpayers? How much will it cost us? The obvious question- why such a large entourage? Especially when this government promised to cut back in trips and reduce costs to the taxpayers.
Why aren’t journalists at finance minister Biman Prasad’s door. Biman, or Baiman as he’s better known nowadays, was the biggest critic of the previous government’s overseas trips and extravagance, as he used to call it. Now the government he’s part of is doing the same, and much worse.
Our failed and lying finance minister, instead of exercise fiscal responsibility, is exercising an open purse policy. Why aren’t the media questioning him? Oh wait. Biman has bought off the media! How could I have forgotten!
What a disaster of a government we are cursed with.
Maybe some segments of Fijians believe we are a tribe of Israel!
What a timing for this Foreign Policy call by the racist, Christian fanatic Rabuka for the Government of Fiji. At a time when Israel has become a pariah, Fiji continues its outrageous actions that will make our country unsafe. It is already a laughing stock amongst the Pacific countries and the civilised world.
It is clear as daylight that Netanyahu’s mission into the region and paying for such extravaganzas are aimed at shoring up the rapidly dwindling support he has in the world and at the UN.
The critics of Mahendra Pal Chaudhry can cry and beat their chest as much as they want and bring out all sorts of dirt which we have heard repeated ad nauseum. But one cannot take away his craft and status as a political leader and commentator.
You are absolutely correct. He is the only person in Fiji whose views have been considered,mature, relevant and MPC speaks for the masses. His sharp mind, knowledge and diplomatic skills should be a source of envy for the likes of Biman, Rabuka and the current crop of MPs.
Someone once mentioned MPC’s bigoted rant against Muslims, because someone at a Labour rally praised ASK’S work.
Care to share more.
And what about THE TEA LADY SAGA
Bit Rich for MPC to call out others when he killed a mother of two in 1978 while driving drunk home – he fled the scene and refused to give urine test – jailed for 9 months and released in 3 months – 9 months for taking an innocent life, he really paid the price lol – now he is giving advice to others on morality, his entire family are known to be racist against Muslims and Fijian people – read his sons FB comments, Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – we need new political leaders but everybody is scared to put their names forward – if you fail, the wrath of the winning party will hail the pain on you via police and corruption watch dog – Fiji is doomed.
Shalendra Gopal Raju is rumored to be the next Labour candidate as his PAP political aspirations were dashed after Lynda and Rambo dumped him – his mate “Blackie Chor Chand” campaigning hard with RPC to get him in – trade off, Rajen’s charges are dismissed and he can return to fiji – read SGR Facebook comments talking MPC up.
Labour doesn’t need another failure loser like Shalendra Raju – it needs a Sashi Kiran type personality- empathy, sympathy and wisdom – not arrogance, self centered and immoral person.
Is it only me or you can’t recall when Mahen became PM and refused to move into official PMs residence because it smelled Kaiviti…biggest racist.
The same thing was supposedly said when Chaudhry moved out of the PM’s residence after the 2000 Speight rebellion. That the place “smelt kai idia”. Comes with the territory in Fijian politics, it seems.
Graham – with respect, can you stop praising Mahendra Choodree, he is a Chor who is a spent force, personal vengeance is his only motive – let’s not forget the fraud and tea lady saga – his son is his biggest archiles heal – loser used to pick girls up at purple haze nightclub on the pretense of his father – not in Suva anymore but not forgotten, recall his client accusing him of rape – ask him about those 2000 memories and his personal hatred against I taukei – pity he only saw the wall and not their faces
I am not campaigning for Labour. I am pointing out that Chaudhry has the politics right and is filling the role that Inia Seruiratu should be filling as the official Opposition leader but isn’t. I also happen to agree with the points that he is making. If that is supporting him, then that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
My Fiji from UK is through Grubsheet as this is the most transparent platform which calls it like it is – however, Mr Chaudharys politics is not one that I personally subscribe to but I agree with GD that he makes relevant points ( what else will he say to stay relevant at 82)
There are a zillion wannabes like Pramesh Sharma, Shalen Raju, Aman Singh etc etc but no real influencers like GD – be blessed Grubsheet and keep it coming – best stories this year include Nitya Reddy, Pramesh Sharma, William Poo Parkinson, Mahen Motibhai and Richard Naidu – congrats.
Good day Mr. Davis,
The points that Mr. Chaudhry raises do have merit and I thank both of you for raising awareness surrounding the conflict and the humanitarian damage caused. For too long media outlets in this country have failed to bring to light these problems and challenge the government in a meaningful way. It is unbearable to watch the government of Fiji be complicit by way of remaining neutral in the Israel/Palestine conflict.
However I do wonder whether to promote or advocate Mr. Chaudhry as an alternative of leadership of the country is misplaced. Objectively Mr. Davis you are completely right – Mr. Chaudhry is the only real contender currently within the public theatre that may have a chance of garnering meaningful votes in the next election. The problem ultimately lies with Mr. Chaudhry being a hypocrite when dissecting other current or former ministers (under the Fiji First Party).
Readers of this blog only need to refer to Mr. Victor Lal’s spot on coverage and discourse on this topic. To voters Mr. Chaudhry is disingenuous, often coming across as fake. If you were to ask a would be voter that is on the fence about voting next elections, you would be hard pressed to get an answer that says Mr. Chaudhry comes across as “genuine”. On the contrary the on the ground opinion of him seems to be that his political revival is his only concern. This is not to say I hate the man because I absolutely do not, I had always hoped he would perform a comeback to politics. My support, like many others, vanished when his reputation and credibility was torn down through his conviction.
He can place all the references and stabs of innuendos on to people such as Lynda all he wants but the reality is he was convicted of criminal charges (and to this day has failed to show meaningful remorse for the breach of public trust). He can harp on all he wants about ethics, however to walk the talk is obviously only when convenient to him. The damage has been done on his part and the polls from the past few elections is a clear indicator.
If we were to compare Mr. Chaudhry’s future election run to that of Joe Biden’s attempt at re-election; the writing is clearly on the wall. Whether he chooses to accept it is one thing. However to undermine the party’s (and ultimately the entire country) principles and members at the expense of your own hubris is not that of a statesmen or somebody fit to run the country.
My point here is not to detract from your point that Fiji needs an alternative leader. It absolutely needs positive change. The argument I make is that Mr. Chaudhry needs to hand the baton to somebody else before the next election, sooner rather than later. If he fails to pass his votes and blessings to another person who does not have such baggage attached then it would be a great shame.
If Mr. Chaudhry reads these blogs, which I truly believe he does as he seems to regurgitate a lot of what Mr. Davis says into newspaper pieces the following week; please read the room and stop being so emotionally charged because you believe you are the only solution for this country. Search for others to take control and who are principled in their approach. As the now adored yet problematic authoritarian Lee Kuan Yew said in reference to a speech on governance “This is not a game of cards. This is your life and mine”. Therefore Mr. Chaudhry, I invite you to step up and recognise sometimes the hard decision is the necessary one to make. Selflessness goes a long way in this world.
Blessed weekend to all and rest in peace to the innocent lives lost in all the conflicts going on in the world.
The crusade going over to Israel probably think YahooNetan is their reincarnated saviour. Watch them all kiss his hand and lick his boots.
It is a big waste of taxpayers money but money well spent for opposition parties to get more stories for their campaign to end the pathetic governments reign. Lynda has been packing lots of ‘Diddy’ baby oil. While this is Coup Daddy’s last few trips to earn those allowances. It’s no wonder some people in Fiji don’t progress. Cash in bank whether earned or loaned must be spent is the motto of this government and those who support such stupidity.
Lone Ranger MPC is surely an able opposition for now. In a government though he needs an able team and not become Minister for everything which is still his weakness. Another weakness is the motor mouth living unhappily in the squatter settlement of Takanini – one of the worst and no class suburbs of Auckland. He will back to Suva in a flash and that would spell the fall again of MPC. MPC needs worthwhile coalition partners not his “chamcha’s” who will say yes boss to his every command.
As for the Raju guy trying his luck with Labour, isnt he a descendant of Undreundre, the cannibal. Not a great history lesson to be brought back to life by a future government.
There is not much time left to form a formidable force to make the required change in direction of Fiji politics and we all hope that PAP don’t come back in like the Alliance party did when NFP won and couldn’t form a government in 1977/78.
Looking at your picture, Did Asha give that Rolex to Mahen – if it’s not from Asha, then it’s Lolex.
Where is the Opposition in all this? They are all on mute mode!
What about Faiyaz Koya? Such a boot licker during ASK days but now he is playing the silent role as he doesn’t not want to be on the wrong side of Rabuka’s government. He may also have FICAC issues as such he does not want to to ruffle any feathers.
Inia Seruratu is probably getting kickbacks from Rabuka’s government as such he picks his battles. Overseas trips, he has a government home and all the perks that comes with it so he and along hes merry men are playing to the tune of Rabuka and his cronies.
The fact that an octogenarian appears to possibly the last hope says a lot more about the dire leaderhip vacuum in this country than about the old man.
Add to this the fact his party did not win a single seat in the past three elections.
The party appears to exist in name only. It is unclear if there might be other active members, office holders, no AGMs, financial standing, or a functioning party machinery.
At least half a dozen proposed parties are vying for attention, indicating Fiji’s political landscape is bereft of any emerging leaders of quality, let alone be contenders.
The incumbent pm is old and remains the front-runner. The rest of the government and parliament do not inspire confidence.
The president is not exactly young, either.
We’re running out of time to find an emerging leader with integrity, intelligence, and the ability to inspire people to rally around him/her. We have a problem.
It’s commendable Mahendra Chaudhry is holding Rabuka to account, but it’s unlikely he has the numbers to be alternative PM. The question of him will be the same as it was for Rabuka: has he really changed? To the nation’s misfortune, in power Rabuka still his deceptive old self. How about Chaudhry? He’ll need to prove he’s not carrying a bag full of bitterness and an unpopular son.