From the House by Pesi Fonua
Key points
- Tonga's King will receive PM about their disaccord
- MP irate over PM's handling of Lulutai Airlines
- Tensions rise and two MPs suspended from the House
- Concern that the 2010 reform of the Constitution was incomplete
Tensions rose in the House this week as members of parliament, expressed their frustrations with the politics of the Prime Minister over his disaccord with the King and other issues, including his handling of the Lulutai Airlines.
Their questions boiled over into screaming matches, which ended with two members – one from the Nobles’ table and one from the People’s table, being thrown out of the House and suspended for one and two days.
The tensions had been rising for weeks since 2 February, when the Prime Minister was told that King Tupou VI in Privy Council had withdrawn his consent to the appointments of two cabinet ministers.
The Prime Minister disagreed with the King.
Last week in a letter signed by Lord Tu'ivakano, the nine Nobles’ Representatives called on the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku to resign his defence portfolio as Minister of His Majesty's Armed Forces, and to respect the decision of King. They also called on Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu to resign from her two ministerial portfolios. The Nobles were unhappy that the Cabinet had not paid heed to the King's wishes, as conveyed from the Privy Council to Cabinet on 2 February.
This week, on Tuesday, 5 March the Prime Minister told the House that King Tupou VI had accepted his request to visit him in the Niuas.
Lord Tu’ivakano, expressed his appreciation for the Prime Minister and his delegation to have an opportunity to meet the King.
The Speaker, Lord Fakafanua thanked the Prime Minister for the information and said he looked forward to reading a report of his meeting with the King.
However, the People’s Representative No. 7 for Tongatapu, Piveni Piukala, was not happy that the House was not able to solve a problem by “talatau” and return with a response to the King.
The Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Dr Viliami Latu, expressed his opposition to the member for using the word “talatau” (in Tongan it means to declare war).
Suspended
Then an argument over the Prime Minister's handling of the Lulutai Airlines and his stand off with the King led to a shouting match between Piveni and the Chairman of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu'ilakepa. Piveni threatened to hit Lord Tu'ilakepa.
An infuriated Lord Tu'ilakepa complained to the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, who immediately switched off the recording of the members' speech.
The Speaker asked the Sergeant to take the two members, Piveni and Lord Tu‘ilakepa, outside.
He suspended Lord Tu‘ilakepa for one day and Piveni for two days. It was the second time that Piveni has been suspended from the House this year.
Lord Tu’ivakano lamented over what had become of the Whole House Committee. Members were abusing the grace of the House. He said he had been in the House for 28 years and had never witnessed such a disaster – ma‘ulalo. This was supposed to be a religious country. “The way we go on is disgusting. Satan will be happy.”
He pleaded with them to calm down and obey the Speaker.
“I think we have had enough today. We have spoiled the House.”
The Noble's Representative for 'Eua, Lord Nuku, said it was for the PM to decide whether or not to go to the Niuas to see the King. He complained that the arguments in public arose because a letter from the Lord Privy Seal to the Prime Minister had been leaked out.
The Prime Minister responded that it was a letter to the PM but it had leaked out and “we should find out who did it.”
Lord Nuku said it was an issue between the King and the PM.
Lord Tu'iha'angana said the Noble's Representatives had already expressed their view to the PM that they would stand by the King.
Public concern
People's Representative no. 1 Tongatapu, Tevita Puloka said the pubic was concerned “and it is as though we are lost.” It was time to look at the reform since 2010. This was an opportunity to see if the reform would proceed properly.
People's Representative no. 4 Tongatapu, Mateni Taueluelu, asked the PM why the Crown had removed his trust from these ministers and asked when would they return from Niua.
The Prime Minister replied that for the answer to the first question the Member should ask the Palace Office. He was going to go and see the King and tell him his view. The PM's party would leave as soon as it was possible by boat or aircraft. They would update the Speaker of what happened.
People's Representative no. 12 for Ha'apai Mo'ale Finau said he was the one who had opened this session on this matter. He suggested for the PM to make sure we are on the right track and wished him luck.
People's Representative for 'Eua, Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi, said that the concern of the King was for them to run the country properly, we have a Privy Council, Cabinet and a Parliament – they had to do their best. A concern was expressed by the King that we appeared to be going the wrong way.
They had been questioned on Civil Aviation, Deficit Budget, Loans, Vote of no Confidence and legislations. “It is obvious that the running of the country is not right and that is the problem,” he said.
People's Representative, no. 5 Tongatapu, 'Aisake Eke said they needed to go back and address the 2010 reform, particularly the Constitution clause 50B and 51 that they were arguing over.
They were not assessing the state of the House properly and right now there was a problem. “There is a problem with our current system, that is my view –we have to save the country from the Parliament.”
The Prime Minister moved that they go to Niua to have an audience with the King.
'Aisake agreed it was a good move.
--
https://matangitonga.to/2024/02/29/nobles-urge-pm-resign-minister-his-ma...
