There has been some discomfort in the relationship between the government and the Speaker of Parliament because of the conduct of the former Leader of Government Business, Lynda Tabuya.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted this on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan last night when questioned on why Tabuya was removed from the Leader of Government in Parliament position.
Rabuka says the Leader of Government Business position is a very responsible role in Parliament and the person is the liaison between the government and the Speaker.
He says the Speaker was not very comfortable with some of the decisions taken by the government based on Tabuya’s advice.
The Prime Minister says they as a business committee had contributed perhaps to that in asking for changes, but there were some that were unilaterally taken by Tabuya which was uncomfortable for the Speaker.
He says everyone in Parliament should know that they are not indispensable.
When questioned on his message to the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre who are saying that the Prime Minister is removing a very capable woman from the position, Rabuka replied that the position was not reserved for any woman. He says Tabuya is an ordinary member of the house and has performed well as the Minister for Women, so that has no impact on her performance as a Cabinet Minister.
You can watch the full Straight Talk interview below:
