Edwards rejects system of "puppet ministers"

My love for Tonga fuels this huge interest - Selina Tivise Fa'asolo
I would like to use your website to extend my applause to Mr Clive Edwards for using his rightful judgement in supporting and defending issues that are beneficial and in the best interests of the people of Tonga. I salute you Mr Edwards for you have such tremendous courage and great affection and in giving your shoulders to bear with those whom are heavy laden (the commoners) in Tonga.

I am totally fascinated and impressed about these ongoing arguments on the MatangiTonga website and I think the people of Tonga needs people like you who can speak out the truth, and in many sense the truth will only set one free.

Lastly, I have been living away from Tonga for the last 17 years but my love for Tonga and for the majority of my family who resides in Tonga fuels this huge interests for the benefit of my loved ones in Tonga. Respectfully Yours, Selina Tivise Fa'asolo, Auckland, New Zealand.

We have differences but at the end of the day we will still be Tongans - Kisione Manu:
The kind words of applause extended by some observers of this column towards Mr Edwards have effectively toned down his stern-like image of the past, yet I am still unimpressed. In fact I differ with these admirers and I am still reluctant if to say that Mr Edwards is a viable candidate to carry the values and principles of the common people.

We should realise that this is the person who so tenaciously pushing for the Media Operator's Act which was consequently squashed in Court. His expulsion from Government shocked the whole nation yet the reasons behind his expulsion remains murky. But beside that I would admit that a large number of people were elated to see him stripped of his ministerial role because in his capacity as a Minister of Police he will continue to intimidate parties that disagree with him. I must say, just for the record, that I do not intend to belittle Mr Edwards in any form but the history of him in Parliament is very unfortunate.

The latest revelations of what was going on with the One-airline Policy‚ and the Media Operator's Act is nothing but a cheap shot to gain political momentum for his campaign and the rhetoric for the election will drag on as long it garners enough support to get him elected.

The Taimi 'o Tonga reported on the 23 January, 2005 that Clive was against the One-airline Policy‚ because his brother, CEO of Kingdom Air, wanted a license for inter-island flights. The truth about the statement is debateable but I am wondering if Mr Edwards was really fighting for the common people's values, or was he disagreeing on his brother's behalf?

I am totally against the idea of a One-airline Policy‚ and the reasons behind it will remain a mystery. Do you really believe if he is still in Government he will give out information about these meetings to the public to devour? I would blatantly agree with most that he wouldn't tell us a thing, but on the bright side of it he had confessed that “puppet ministers” system is flawed. His latest statements have further reaffirmed the need for changes in the status quo, echoing by incumbents in the like of MPs: 'Akilisi Pohiva, Fred Sevele and 'Isileli Pulu. For him to salvage an opportunity to enter Parliament will be surely a test of character and may be if he got elected I will owe him an apology.

I wish Mr Edwards the best in his election campaign and the voters will have the final say. HRH Tupotu'a contributions should also be acknowledged and we all have our differences but let us not forget that at the end of the day we will still be Tongans.

Yours truly, Kisione Manu, Australia