House lost for words to describe woman MP [1]
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 - 21:09. Updated on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 - 21:45.
From the House by Pesi Fonua
With one woman in the House, the Tongan Parliament suffered something of an identity crisis this morning as members tried to find an appropriate term to reference themselves in their letter responding to King Tupou VI’s opening speech of the 2017-2018 Parliamentary Session.
There was a dispute over the use of the word "Matu’a", in reference to mature elderly members of parliament.
Lord Tu’iha’angana, objected to the use of the word "Matu’a", which he interpreted it to mean a group of old men, but he reminded the House there is one woman in the House.
Lord Vaea, the Chairman of the Select Committee that drafted the letter of reply from the House to the king's speech, pointed out that they used the word "Matu’a" in the letter referring to a group of elderlies, men and women.
The only woman member of Parliament, ‘Akosita Lavulavu expressed her preference, that the reference in the letter to members of parliament, being kau/tu’unga matua’s (group of old men) and one finemotu’a (one old woman).
Lord Tu’ilakepa told the House that the word finemotu’a (old woman) is not a good word. They never use it in their home. The word they have been told to use is fefine (woman). He suggested that they should find a better word than finemotu’a.
Lord Tu’iha’angana suggested to replace tu’unga matu’a and a finemotu’a, with mau (we).
‘Akosita reminded the House that finemotu’a or whatever, but remember there is one finemotu’a in the House.
Lord Vaea and Lord Nuku favoured to replace tu’unga matu’a and a finemotu’a, with mau (we).
The debate in the Whole House Committee went on past 12 noon.
The Chairman, Hon. Veivosa Light of Day Taka called for votes on the letter of respond to HM opening speech of parliament with corrections.
Lord Vaea reminded the Chairman that they had not approved any corrections. The Chairman however called for a vote and it was carried 18-0.
The Committee dissolved into Legislature and the Speaker took his chair.
The Chairman reported that the letter of respond from the House to HM opening speech had been passed with corrections.
The Speaker called for votes. It was carried 18-0.
The Speaker called on Lord Nuku and the Ha’apai People Representative No. 12 Vili Hingano to deliver the House’s letter of response to the Palace.
The Speaker declared the House closed until further notice.