PM reveals allegations of drugs running on Diplomatic Passports [1]
Thursday, August 18, 2016 - 09:52. Updated on Thursday, August 18, 2016 - 10:06.
From the House, by Pesi Fonua
The involvement of Tongan Diplomatic Passport holders in the transference of millions of dollars worth of illicit drugs into New Zealand, Tonga's Prime Minister, Hon. Akilisi Pohiva told the Tongan Parliament yesterday, had got to a situation where he does not know what to do about it.
The PM told Parliament on August 17 that it had been revealed that Tongan criminals were involved in a multi-million drugs haul that was captured in New Zealand. “One of the [inaudible] from New Zealand is that those involved have diplomatic passports.”
He said that the authority over the diplomatic passports rested with the Privy Council.
“Are you questioning the authority of the Privy Council?” asked Lord Fusitu’a.
“No, I am in full support of the King,” said ‘Akilisi, but “we are having problems. Please help, the people are having problems. It has been 30 years with this problem, and no solutions. The drug networks are stronger than us. New Zealand and Australia are worried”
The debate in Legislature got a bit fiery, when Lord Tu'ilakepa reminded the Prime Minister that because he is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs he is the person responsible for the renewal of Diplomatic Passports.
The PM did not like the comment. He raised his voice but, unfortunately, the recording was not clear. It became clear later in a response from Lord Tu'ilakepa when the PM claimed that Lord Tu'ilakepa was involved in some illegal activities.
To settle things down a bit, Lord Tu'i'afitu reminded the Prime Minister of the concept of Separation of Power, and it is the responsibility of government to look after the country. “This morning we (Parliament) has been made responsible for running the country. We are only making laws; government is responsible for running the country.”
Lord Tu'ilakepa continued to rub salt into the wound by reminding the House that “there are problems in the country that the PM cannot do anything about.” He also reminded the House that they had allocated $300,000 for the Police to investigate the passport issue, but as of today, there has been no report of their findings.
The Speaker finally dissolved legislature into the Whole House Committee.
The Chairman started the proceeding with a bible reading from 2nd Timothy, then the proceeding continued with the 2014 Annual Report of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fisheries.