Drama and distraction in Tongan parliament

Kuo ha ‘a e liliu ‘oku lau - Pola Loiti:
Kataki mu’a kae kole atu ki he paenga ni ke nau ki’i fakamaama mai mu’a e motu’a fakapo’uli ni pe koeha koaa e liliu ‘oku hoko ‘i he ‘otu motu anga’ofa. Ko e liliu eni ki he lelei pe ko e liliu eni ke toe kovi ange. Kuo mahino mai e lipooti ‘a e komiti ne sea ai ‘a e Tama Tu’i Pelehake kuo to tau, tuku mai ‘e he pule’anga ‘ene motolo pea kei hoko atu e kau fakafofonga hono fakamatala’i e liliu ‘i Tonga’eiki. ‘I he taimi tatau ne teke ‘e he ongo vaivai he kau fakafofonga ‘o e kakai ke hiki peseti ‘e 60% honau vahenga lolotonga e to lalo fakapa’anga e fonua, ‘osi ha ngaahi lau uike kuo toe tu’u mai e tokotaha ‘i Fale Alea ‘o fokotu’u ke tuku e hiki vahenga, mahalo ne ki’i lahi hono fohi kinaua ‘e he kakai he fakavalevale pehe ‘a e ‘ofa fonua. Mo’oni e lau ‘a e palofesa ‘e taha, Malie e!. Kei talanga’i e lipooti he fale kuo fakaha ‘e he pule’anga ia ‘e ne motolo pea ‘ave ki muli, mahalo na’a ko honau fatongia totonu ka kuo mahafu’aki ia ‘e he kau taha koee. Ko e me’a ‘e taha ‘oku malie, ko e fo’i lea ‘oku nau ngaue’aki koe le’o mo e loto ‘o e kakai. Ka fai ha tohi tangi ‘oku tala ko e le’o ‘o e kakai…..ko eni ne toe fai e laka mo e tohi tangi ‘a ha fefine pisinisi ke fakahifo e palemia..pea mo’oni e lau ‘a e ‘etita pule ‘o e taimi..oku fakaoli e kakano ‘o e tohi.

Koeni kuo uki e laka ‘e he kau fakafofonga pea nau toe uki mo e feinga pa’anga ke fai’aki ‘enau ngaue, kuoha ka tuku ke fai e talanga ‘i Falealea. Ne toe uki mo e kakai ke nau ha’u ki Pangai si’i pea iku ta’ofi ai e falee koe longoa’a e me’a fakale’olahi ‘a e kau nofo Pangai, ‘ikai ngata ai nau toe lea ta’efe’unga ka e kakata e matangaa. Kou pehe ‘e au ko e faifekau mo e kau lotu mei he PSA, ka ‘oku nau malie’ia mo faka’ai’ai e lea kovi. Kapau ‘oku ‘ikai ke faka’apa’apa’i e pule ua ‘o e fonua he taimi ni fefe kapau ‘e hoko e liliu ‘o fai ki honau lotoo. Ne ‘asi mai e nopele ia ‘e taha ‘o fakaha hono mamahi, pea mahino mai ta ne ‘osi ‘omai e tohi tangi ‘a Ha’apai ki he kau fakafofonga ‘o e kakai ke fakahifo ‘a honau fakafofonga fika ‘uluaki, kuo ‘ikai ke fai ia….kae ‘ikai toe ha ki’i me’a ia ‘a e pule’anga hono ta’aki hake.

Ko ‘eku fakama’opo’opo ko e liliu ia ko e taulau mo e tauta’aki pea fufu pe me’a ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau loto ki ai ka e ta’aki pe me’a ‘oku nau loto ki ai. Koeha nai ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau toe tukuaki’i ai e fakafofonga fika tolu ki he paasipooti he ko e taimi ne kei minisita ai ne nau hange atu ha fanga laione hono tukuaki’i e fakafofonga he’ene kei minisita. ‘Oku hange kiate au ko e tokotaha pe ‘oku ngaue he pule’anga ko e tevolo pe ko e fili ia. Hala ha’ane lelei ‘e taha pe ko ha’ane laka ‘e tonu. Mou kataki mu’a ‘o ki’i fakamaama mai. Faka’apa’apa atu - Pola Loiti

Tu‘u Ke Ma‘u Palemia ‘o Tonga - ‘Ofa ki Tonga:
`Omai mu`a si`a faingamalie ke u ki`i fakavaha`a lesoni atu pe he fepale`aki mo e fekolo`aki `a Siosaia Moimoiangaha pea mo Loukinikini Naufahu telia na`a `osi `aupito `a e lulu tava ia!. `Oku ou malie`ia `aupito `i he fetongi tuki `a e Tama Palemia ke hoko atu `a e kau Memipa Fili ia `o e Fale Alea ke nau ma`u `e nau hiki `o e Me`a`ilo, kae tuku `a e Pule`anga ia ke fakatahataha`i honau tefito`i vahenga ke taha `o fakatatau mo e fale`i `a e Komiti Vakai`i Hiki Vahenga (Higher Salaries Review Committee) pea mo e mataotao `Aositelelia ko Mr Salway. `Oua `e toe holomui koe`uhi ko e fakafekiki `a e Tu`ilakepa. `Uluaki, na`e `ikai ke `i he Fale Alea ia `i he taimi na`e paloti`i ai `a e hiki ko ia `a e me`a`ilo. Na`e kau ia `i he hou`eiki ko ia ne …“fanongonongo tokoto…” pe `i `api `o `ikai ha kete ke fakahaloto `i he paloti. `Oku `ilonga `eni he`ene toki me`a mai ke fakafekeke he `osi `a e `a`ahi, koe`uhi he ko e me`a pe ia na`e fekata`i holo `aki `a e hou`eiki lolotonga `a e `a`ahi Fale Alea he founga na`e paasi ai `a e hiki `o e me`a`ilo, pea ne nau `osi faka`uto`uta kotoa kinautolu ki he ponasi Kilisimasi. `Oku `ikai ko e me`a `oku mahu`inga, ko e pehe na`e `osi tali fakalukufua `e he Fale, `o tomu`a tali `i he Komiti Kakato pea toe tali `e he Fale Alea. Ko e mafai `oku `i he kau memipa pe `o e Fale, ko kimoutolu pe na`a mou tali pea ko kimoutolu pe te mou toe lava `o liliu mo monomono, pe ko hano fakapekia fakamaatoato. Ko e me`a `oku mahu`inga ko hono fai ko ia `a e me`a `oku totonu `oku talamai `e hoto konisenisi. Neongo `a e fakangofua atu `e he Lao Fale Alea, ka `oku toutou kaila atu `a e konisenisi ia, …“`oku hala `a e founga pea `oku pango`ia mai `a e kakai `o e fonua. `Oku `osi mea`i kotoa pe `e he kau Fakafofonga Fili ko e fehalaaki `a e me`a `oku fai, `a ia kuo lau to`u Fale Alea mai `enau mo`ua ai, ko e fepaki `a e fatongia mo `enau fiema`u (conflict of interest), ko e `uhinga ia na`e fiema`u ai ha sino tau`ataina ke ne fakafuofua `a e vahenga ke tauhi `aki `a kinautolu memipa lolotonga `a e lele `a e Fale Alea. Kuo `osi fokotu`u mai `e he mataotao ke mou vahenga fakata`u `i he $53,603 `o `i loto ai `a e ngaahi monu`ia kotoa pe `oku mou lolotonga ma`u, koe`uhi ke fakafehoanaki mo e toenga `o e fokotu`utu`u vahenga `a e pule`anga, ka mou vili ta`e`unua kimoutolu ke mou hiki ki he $62,335. Pea `ikai ngata ai ka mou toe totongi fakafoki mei he 2005.
`Eiki Palemia, tuku `a e kau Fakafofonga Fili ke nau toho `e kinautolu `a `enau …“ponasi lulu tava…” `o fakatatau ki he pule (ngalivale) `a e paloti `a e Fale, ka `oku `ikai `uhinga ai ia ke mou toho `e kimoutolu `i he Kapineti `a e pa`anga mala ko ia mei he Fale Pa`anga. `E lava pe ia `o tuku ai kae `oua kuo mou tu`utu`uni ki hono `ai ke mou vahenga taha `o fakatatau ki he fale`i na`e `osi fai `e he Komiti Vakai`i Hiki Vahenga pea mo Mr Salway. Mou `ofa mai `o fanongo ki he fale`i `a e motu`a muli ke mou tau`ataina.
`Oku fakakikihi `a e Tu`ilakepa kuo hanga `e he Palemia mo e Tepile `a e Pule`anga `o `ai ha me`a ke nau …“ngali kovi…” ai. Fakatoufifita, kuo mou `osi fakalaka kimoutolu fakataha mo e kau Fakafofonga `o e Kakai mei he ngali kovi ki he …“ngali vale…”, pea mo e …“ta`e`ofa…” ki he fonua, tautau tefito `oku mou fai `a e me`a ko `eni `i ha fu`u taimi `oku lolotonga tu`ulu meleuku ai `a e tu`unga fakapa`anga `a e fonua.
`Io, ko Peauafi Haukinima mo `Eiki Nopele Nuku, na`a na memipa fakatou`osi `i he Komiti Pa`anga. Kapau leva na`a nau toko 4 pea Sea `a Haukinima, kae paloti `a Nuku mo e ongo Fakafofonga `o e Kakai, `oku lava lelei pe ke tau mamata loto atu ki he paloti na`e fai. Toko 2 `a `Akilisi mo `Uliti kae tokotaha `a Nuku, pea ta`e paloti `a e Sea. Makehe mei ai, ko e taimi na`e fakahu ai ki he Fale, na`e paloti ta`eloto fakatou`osi `a e ongo Minista, kae malanga`i ia `e `Akilisi `oku totonu ke tali he na`e Sea `a e Minisita `i he Komiti. `Oku te `ulia `ia `ia `Akilisi Pohiva pea mo `Uliti Uata `i he me`a ko `eni. Kuo mou longoa`a`ia he malanga`i `a e taliui (accountability) mo e angatotonu (transparency) he fonua, ka mo folofua `a e fu`u ma`anga ngako ko `ena `i mu`a he kakai kotoa `o e fonua mo e hala `ataa ha kihi`i momo`i malimali. Kuo mau fiu hono `a`au `a e Pule`anga, kae `osi ange kuo hange kuo `ai ke fakalongolongo`i `a e fu`u me`a ko `eni. Ko e ha kuo mou fofonga fefeka pehee ai? Ko e toki me`a fulikivanu mo`oni `eni mo ta`e `ofa kuo mou fai! - ‘Ofa ki Tonga

Tili e Fale Alea ‘o Tonga - Siosaia Moimoiangaha:
‘Oku ‘ikai pe ke toe ‘i ai ha fakakaukau ia pe ha konisenisi mo’ui ‘i he ‘oho ‘a e manumanu’ ‘i he taimi ‘oku ‘asi ai e me’a teepu “pa’anga.” ‘I he talanoa ‘oku fai e ‘Ofa ki Tonga pea moe fehu’i ‘a Pola ‘oku mahino mai ia ‘oku ‘ikai koha lulu tava ‘oku fai ‘i Fale Alea’ ka ko e “Tili pa’anga.” ‘Oku ou mahamahalo au na na’e ‘i ai ha tokoni laui miliona mei ha pule’anga ne kilofi ‘e he fanga ulofi ‘o Fale Alea pea nau fa’ufa’u ke faka-ngahaha mo taakapa longoa’a ke hanganoa e kainga kae fai e tili’. Ko e me’a ‘oku mahino he taimi ni kuo ‘osi ‘enau tili he fu’u pa’anga lahi faufaua ‘o e ki’i taimi ngaue nounou taha mo fakahisitolia he fonua. Kuo toe fai e tili fakaholomui ke totongi fakafoki mei he ta’u kuo ‘osi’ ‘a ia na’e ‘ikai ke nau ngaue’i. ‘I he fakamatala kuo a’utaki mai ‘oku mahino na’e ‘ikai kakato e kau fakafofonga mo e kau Nopele ‘i he taimi ‘o e paloti. Ko e fehu’i, koeha na’e ‘ikai fakatatali ai ke kakato e kau memipa pea toki fai e paloti ke tatau mo e loto ‘o e kakai’ pea faka-konisitunone? Ko fe’ia e kakai ‘oku fiema’u ke faka-toli’a honau loto kapau ‘oku pule fakaleveleva pe ‘a e sino ia ‘o Fale Alea’. Ko e sivilaise ‘a mamani kapau ‘oku ke li’aki ngaue ‘oku ‘ikai ke ke ma’u ‘e ko e ha vahe ‘i he ‘aho koia.’ Ko e toki me’a malie ‘eni ‘a e hiki vahenga mo vahe pe ‘a e kau ngaue’ ia lolotonga ‘o e ‘ikai fai ha ngaue’. Ko e me’a ‘oku fakaoli ‘aupito he ko Tonga pe ‘oku hoko ai ‘a e to’onga ko ‘eni’.

‘Oku ou tui lahi ko e me’a ko ‘eni’ na’e ‘osi fa’ufa’u pe ia ke pehe talu mei he ‘osi ‘a e hiki vahenga 60%,70%,80%. Ko e toki mahino mai pe ‘eni ia ko e hiki vahenga na’e ‘uhinga pe ia ki Falealea ka na’e ‘ufi’ufi mai ‘aki pe ia si’i kau ngaue faka-pule’anga ke hanganoa e kainga kae toki fai hono fakasisina. Ko e me’a malie ko e ‘ikai hulu e ngaahi me’a faitaa he ko e tu’u hotau kainga ‘oku nau si’i mafaifai e laka faka-haha kuo nau tu’u pe ‘o faka-te’elelo he kuo mano’o honau kia’ he feinga manava’. ‘Oku ou pehe ko e mo’oni pe ‘a e kailangaki’i “loto ‘o e kakai” he ko e kakai’ pe mo e kau takilotu ‘e ni’ihi na’a nau fili e kau manumanu pa’anga ko ‘eni ki he Fale Alea’. Kuo ‘asi mai e fasi’a mo e malualoi mei he kau Nopele na’e li’aki ‘i he ‘aho paloti he ko e ‘uhinga ‘o e li’aki’ ke paasi e fo’i fakakaukau he ko e pa’anga lahi ‘oku ma’u kihe teuteu Kilisimasi.

‘Oku ou pehe ke ‘oua ‘e toe holomui kae ‘ai ai leva ke fai mo melemo hotau ki’i fonua ka tau toe kamata fo’ou, he ko e fa’ahinga ‘e melemo’ ‘a e fa’ahinga ko’eni ‘oku fa’afa’alolo mo kukuta ‘i hono fakanonota e mo’ui si’i matu’a ‘o e fonua. Kuo fakamo’oni’i ‘i he Fale Alea ‘o Tonga’ ‘oku sai pe kaiha’a kae ‘ai pe ke puli hono fai’ pe ko hono ‘ai e taha’ kaiha’a fakapoto pe. Kuo hange hono taki holo e kainga ha lamasi he taimi fafanga ‘o e fanga moa’ koe vau mai e niu’ mo ui kuuti! kuuti! kae unga mai e huokauvao he tu’a’ mo teu pe ki he tamate. Malie Tonga! - Siosaia Moimoiangaha

Absolute power can corrupt absolutely - Mafi ‘o Amerika Samoa:
I concur with your finding Editor. The main issue is being pushed aside by all these personal and agency’s agendas. From my old notes at graduate school, here are some of the problems with a Constitutional Monarchy, Tonga’s included.
1. it allows a system with absolute or too much power in the hands of one or few individuals (Absolute power can corrupt absolutely)
2. it does not have a system of check and balances (allows poor planning and insensible management)
3. it does not have a system to address the problem of bringing a growing and diverse country under one authority (more and more Tongans are highly educated, very transient, eager to participate in the decision making process but feel that they are ignored)
4. it is perceived by the global community as outdated and unfair (thus the lack of foreign investment in Tonga)
5. it does not have a system that clearly provides incentive for meritorious services or provide punishment for failure (sub par performance, corruption and waste, incompetency are some of the common factors)
Now take the above and add the following problem;
1. huge and growing unemployment sector
2. government going bankrupt
We must fully understand the nature of the present government to arrive at a better alternative. We must realize the two problems / issues above and how to deal with it. Because, no form of government that is on the verge of being bankrupt and carries a huge unemployment sector has a ready remedy for anything else. - Mafi ‘o Amerika Samoa

The price of democracy - Alipate Sanft:
It may seem to many of us the chaos round about the proposals for Tonga’s political reform is just that - chaos. There are multiple proposals for referendum processes to be considered; while the original proposal (NCPR) established by a legislative assembly has yet to be considered by Parliament. People disrupting Parliament while in session from the streets causing a recess of the assembly due to the civil disturbance. Groups of protestors gathering and staking out Pangai Si’’i calling for immediate action by way of petitions. Amidst all this, your editorial concerning financial irresponsibility by the members of Parliament for their self imposed massive salary increase. With all this happening it is easy for anyone observing this from overseas to simply ask, Who is steering the ship?” Or are we moving in the direction of the wind?

Since the era of the established constitutional monarchy, Tonga has recently experienced (national) protests, and civil disobedience / disturbance. This coming from a people that have always understood their place, and our innate respect of anga fakafonua that has conducted Tongan society, up until now. A new era or perhaps we can wait and see to confirm which new political road-map Tonga leaders elects for Tongans to follow.

The civil unrest, protests, civil disobedience, a quagmire of political reform proposals, and even financial controversy by Tonga’s leadership, it certainly sounds like a democratic society already. All of this may seem like new and big news for Tonga, but it sounds like regular news for any democratic society typical 5 o’clock news of the day stuff. And if this all sounds too crazy for a little kingdom, perhaps Tonga should be a little more careful what she asks for.

I live in a country that is perhaps the most powerful and prosperous ever in the history of our world. And I recall the political struggles (may have seemed like chaos at the time) this nation faced in its infancy. However, as I have studied the political origin of America and its founding fathers, whom I believe were the most brilliant collective minds of governance and rule ever to be gathered together at one time. And they humbly and collectively chose a form of rule that had rarely been implemented in our world’s history. I am convinced it was by divine intervention these leaders were gathered together, elected, and ruled in a manner that would be beneficial to their people and to their posterity. Today, America is faced with far more controversy on all levels local, state, federal, and world forums. Regardless how we choose our leaders, the people here hunger for great leaders. Even in America, with as many people as we have in our population, we are still looking for great leadership. The era of Tu’’i Tonga were revered by its subjects as divine rulers. And today’’s Tongans call for political reform, I’’m certain there is hope, regardless how new leaders are appointed / elected there may be a semblance of (divine intervention) accountability, obligation, and the other virtues of sound leadership. Tonga, in its newly developing infancy will certainly need it. Regardless who is in power. Sincerely and respectfully yours - Alipate Sanft

Money the root of all evils - Loketi Niua Latu:
The overall Tongan request from Tongans in Tonga, Australia, New Zealand and the US via the NCPR was: “Ke tokoni ‘a e Pule’anga ki hono malu’i mo tauhi mo tokanga’i ke ‘oua ‘e mole ‘a e ngaahi angalelei fakafonua, mo e angalelei faka-Tonga, mei hono leva’i, mo tokanga’i koia ‘a e ngaahi ngaue koia ‘a e Pule’anga, ‘o kau ai m e ngaahi media fakatautaha… ‘o hange ko e anga mo e ngaahi lea faka’apa’apa, feveitokai’aki, mamahi’i me’a, fetokoni’aki,mo e ngaahi anga, lea lelei kehekehe ‘oku mahu’inga ki hono tauhi mo tokoni ke lelei ‘a e ngaahi vaa fakasosiale mo fakapolitikale ‘a e kakai moe Pule’anga ‘o Tonga.” As Tongans we all want to promote our individual idealisms, whether it be political or social, but it is clear via dialogue of the NCPR relayed by Dr. ‘Ana Taufe’ulungaki that the average Tongan wants to nurture relationships (tauhi vaa) of the kainga for the betterment of their lives.

There are so many things to contribute to Tonga, let’s start by considering these things when in discussion or protest - keep the spirit of ‘fofola ‘a e fala kae fai ‘a e talanga -‘i he ‘ataki mo e laumalie ‘o e fofola ‘o e fala kae talanoa moe talanga ‘a e kainga ‘ihe funga ‘o e fe’apa’apa’aki, fefalala’aki, mo e melino ‘i he lelei kihe fonua.” Dr. Sione Latukefu reminds us “ko e tau’ataina ‘a Tonga na’e foaki ia ki mu’a pea toki fa’u ‘a e Konisitutone mo e Pule’anga ‘o Tonga.” We should be proud… “he ka mole ‘a e makatu’unga ‘a e hisitolia mei he makatu’unga ‘o e faitaha pea ‘e mole ai pe ‘a e mahu’inga ‘o e makatu’unga mou’i hokohoko, tukufakaholo, ta’efemafulifuli’aki mo e melino ‘a e fonua ‘i he sosaieti fakakau’afonua mo e fakafungavaka ‘o Tonga.”

The recent uproar happening in Pangai si’i brings to mind Finau ‘Ulukalala’s thoughts in 1807 about money: “If money were made of iron and could be converted into knives, axes and chisels there would be some sense in placing a value on it; but as it is, I see none. If a man has more yams than he wants, let him exchange some of them away for pork. …Certainly money is much handier and more convenient but then, as it will not spoil by being kept, people will store it up instead of sharing it out as a Chief ought to do, and thus become selfish. …I understand now very well what it is that makes the palangi so selfish, it is this money!”

Wake up average Tongan! We only need to look to Fiji at the consequences of drama and uproar. Democracy comes at a price to the (58% Tonga, 18% Vava’u, 14% Haapai, 7% Eua, 3% Both Niuas & Tafahi), registered Tongan voters. It means our Peoples Reps are becoming palangi! - Loketi Niua Latu

Tuku ‘a e fakamoveuveu - ‘Ofa ki Tonga:
`Oku taku ma`u pe ko e kainga Tonga `oku `ikai ke nau fu`u manako ki he laukonga mo e lautohi, ka `oku toki fakamo`oni`i `eni mei he ngaahi me`a `oku lolotonga hoko `i he Fale Alea. Na`e fu`u lahi mo matolu `a e ngaahi voliume `o `ikai lava ia ke lau `e he kau Fakafofonga Fili `o e Fale Alea. Mou vakai hifo ange ki he Fakama`opo`opo `o e Fakanounou `o e Talanoa na`e Fakahoko `i he tukui `Otu Motu Anga`ofa (Voliume 1a) ki he ngaahi lau `a e Kakai. Ko e taha `o e ngaahi me`a na`a nau tokanga mai ki ai ko `ikai ke nau toe fie sio ki he `A`ahi ange `a e kau Fale Alea he `oku maumau taimi mo `ikai ke `aonga.

`I he Miniti 31/2006 `o e Monite ko hono `aho 9 `o `Okatopa, na`e tali ai `e he Fale `a e fokotu`u mei he Komiti `Asenita `a e ngaahi ngaue ke fai mo fakamahino mai ai `e tapuni `a e Fale Alea he `aho 23 `o Novema. Na`a nau kei me`a pe `o `a`ahi he uike `e 2 ka ne nau `osi mea`i `a e ngaahi Lao Fakaangaaanga na`e `osi faka`otu atu ke fai ha ngaue ki ai ki mu`a `a e tapuni. Lolotonga ko ia `a e `a`ahi `oku me`a atu pe `a e kau Fakafofonga ia `o hoko atu `a hono malanga`i `a `enau takitaha fakakaukau fakafo`ituitui mo `enau ngaahi motolo, kae `ikai ke fakamatala `a e Lipooti `a e NCPR. Kae `osi ange ko e Komiti foki `eni `a e Fale Alea na`a nau fokotu`u ke me`a atu `a e kau memipa `o fanongo totonu mei he kakai `a honau loto. Na`e totonu leva ke nau me`a atu `i he `A`ahi `o fakamatala ki he kakai `a e fakama`opo`opo na`e fakahu `e he Komiti ki he Fale Alea.

Kuo nau foki mai `eni mei he `a`ahi `o mahino `a e ta`e fiemalie mo`oni `a e kakai `i he`enau fu`u Hiki Vahenga kuo fai, kuo nau fakamoveuveu leva `eni `i loto mo uki `a Pangai Si`i ke fai `a e ngaahi `ulungaanga ta`e faka`apa`apa ko `eni. Ko e vilitaki ko ia ke paloti ke paasi `a e Lipooti `a e NCPR `oku nau fokotu`u mai `e kinautolu ke fakahoko mamalie `a e liliu `o a`u ki he 2008 kae fai ha femahino`aki mo ha toe Talanoa mo e kakai `o e fonua. `Oku `ikai ke tatau `eni ia mo e ngaahi me`a `oku nau tala ki he kakai `o makatu`unga ai `a e longoa`a ko `eni mei Pangai Si`i. `Oku te ke atu `e he Pule`anga `a e ngaahi Lao Fakaaangaanga ki he Tute pea mo e Tukuhau Vahenga koe`uhi ko e tefito`i palopalema `a e fonua ko e `ikai ke `i ai ha pa`anga ke feau `aki `a e ngaahi fakamole `o kau ai `a e fu`u Hiki Vahenga na`a nau tali `i he Fale Alea. Tuku a mu`a ho`omou takitaha mateaki`i `a `ene fakakaukau taautaha kae fai `a e me`a `e `aonga fakalukufua ki he fonua hono kotoa. Te u toki hoko atu - ‘Ofa ki Tonga

Tonga changes - Rev Ma‘afu Palu:
I just want to express my appreciation for your insight in pointing out the current “‘unrest” in Tonga is a relentless attempt on the PRs’ behalf to distract people from the main issue, namely, the gross injustice embodied in the House’’s pay rise. I am astonished at how naive some of us have become in maintaining the call for “change”’’ and not realizing that “change”’ has indeed began to be implemented on almost every aspect of the ruling system of our country. I just heard an audio report over the internet that the King has begun to fulfill his promise to set aside his business ambitions in order to concentrate on running the country.

Does not this initial step indicate that the King loves Tonga more than these PRs have on offer? I am no royalist or pro-democracy. I speak on my capacity as a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ armed with the knowledge that what Tonga is currently dealing with are symptoms of a deep-seated spiritual problem. Injustice and selfishness are symptoms of the operation of an atheistic mindset which is clearly exploitative, arrogant and when confronted for its immorality is not ready to humbly admit to wrongdoing but immediately seek self-justification. Does not this point in the direction of the church’’s (indeed, “us” ministers) failure in doing what it’’s suppose to be doing, namely, the saving of souls? - Rev. Dr Ma’afu Palu

Tuku ‘a e ava‘ifa‘o mo e hu fakapo‘uli - Fanganui Tu‘uloa-mei-Takaunove:
Kataki he’eku ngali ‘ohonoa atu, ko ‘eku toki fai ‘eni ‘eau ‘a e me’a ko e tohi atu ki ho’o kolomu’ Ko ‘eku fie fakahoko atu pe ko Sosaia Moimoiangaha ‘eni ne hu fakapo’uli mai ia ‘i he loki kaukau ‘emau kau koka’anga, mahalo na’ane pehe ‘e ia ‘oku ‘i heni ‘a Loukinikini’ ‘Ikai mu’a kemo felafoaki holo pe ‘i he Matangi Tonga pea ‘i he maama, ka ko e anga ‘eni ho’o fakapo’uli mo ho’o TIK, kuo ke lele mai koe ‘o hu fakapo’uli mai’ ‘Etita na’a ku hanga atu au ‘o ‘oatu ‘a e tuha ‘o motu’a ni, pea ‘osi koia peau pii’i atu ‘aki ‘ae fu’u topu vai’ Ka ‘oku ke pehe ke u “forward”” ‘a e huu fakapo’uli mai ‘a e motu’a ni pea mo e anga ‘eku tali fononga na’e fai, te u lava lelei pe ‘o ‘oatu’ ‘Ikai mu’a ke fie ava’ifa’o ‘ata’ataa pe ‘i he email ‘a Loukinikini, kae toe fu’u ta’enanaa ‘ene ‘oho mai ‘ana ‘i he loki kaukau ‘o e finematu’a’ Pea lele ia kitu’a kae ‘ilonga hono claws ‘ona ‘i he tu’afalekaukau. Ko ho claws leva ‘eni motu’a, na’ake pehe ‘oku mau stupid’ ‘Oku ‘ikai ha toe taha ia ‘i he fu’u matanga ko’eni ‘e huu mai ‘o ”siuhu”” pea fakaulu…ko koe tokotaha pe’

Ko ho’o fo’i “siuhu” koia na’e fai kia Sosiua Lafitani ‘i he Matangi Tonga “Koe Lo’au au mei Manava” ‘i ho’o tohi ‘i 09/05/06, pea mo ho’o fo’i fakaulu tatau pe “siuhuu” ‘i ho’o tohi pe kia Lafitani “Ko e ha ‘a e ‘Isiu” ‘i 08/24/06, koe fo’i “siuhu”” tatau peia na’ake faka’ohovale’i ‘aki ‘a e finematu’a ‘i homau loki kaukau’ ‘Ohovale pe kuo ke tu’u mai koe ia ai , ko ho’o email na’ake fakapuli mai ai ko e. Pea koau ‘eni ‘oku ou toe fakafoki atu ho’o email ‘i he ‘eta takai hono tolu kuo ‘ikai toe ngaue ia’ Koia ai Loukinikini ki’i malolo atu koe, he ‘oku ke ngali poto pe koe, pea ke ngali fefine, kae tuku mai ‘a e TIK ‘o ‘Atataa, kataki ko ‘Alasikaa kema heka pasi kimaua’ Ta ko’ena ‘oku ‘i ai ‘ene fu’u pasi ‘oku ha’u ai, ko hoku tavi ‘oku ‘ena ‘a e heka ta’e totongi he ngaahi pasi pehe, tautefito ko e ha’u mei ‘Amelika’ ‘Oleva ke vakai’i hono kato na’oku ta’e takele pe ‘o hange koia’ Koia ai Moimoiangaha koau ‘eni te u tali atu ‘i toumu’a keke pehe mai ho’o fu’u pasi ‘o fakaheka au keta takai atu ki Nuku’alofa, tokanga’i na’ake toe kaka mai he ‘aaa ‘o fehalaaki ho’o feinga mai kia Loukinikini, kake ‘oho mai koe homau loki kaukau’ Pea ta ko’ena kuo ke kakato ‘i he ngaahi paka momona ‘o mamani, koe fo’i paka manavahe ‘Otua pe kuo too mei ho’o fatunga paka ko ho’o fakapo’uli mai kia Loukinikini’ Tukuange ho’o ui faikava takai holo kihe kau tama koee he ‘oku nau mo’ua nautolu he tokanga kihe Falealea mo e ngaahi me’a mahu’inga ‘o e fonua, tokanga mai pe koe kia au, te u tali atu’ Teta ‘alu ‘auha ee! Ko’eta tau pe ki Niutoua pea ta tau mai ki Nuku’alofa, he ‘ikai teke toe fie foki koe kihe tumutumu ‘o e kolope’ Pea tui mai ho ngaahi kahoa kakala ne u hanga ‘o fakakahoa atu ‘aki koe ho’o hala loto’api mai ‘ihe loki ‘o e finematu’a’. ‘Ofa lahi atu - Fanganui Tu‘uloa-mei-Takaunove

Pangai Si‘i ia ko e koto Kulanoa - Mafi ‘o Amerika Samoa:
‘Oku ou tangi he’eku ‘ita he ha mai e hiki vahenga ko’eni ‘a e Falealea. Lolotonga ia ‘oku kei fakasio ‘e he pule’anga ha me’a ke tanu ‘aki e fu’u luo na’e keli mei ai e paanga ke fai ‘aki e hiki vahenga ‘o e ta’u ku’osi. Ka ko e me’amalie ia ke fakamahino’i kia kinautolu ‘oku nau taukave’i mamafa ke fili ‘e he kakai e memipa kotoa ‘o e Falealea ‘oku makatu’unga ‘enau fakakaukau ‘oku ‘ikai poupou’i ‘e ha ngaahi mo’oni’i me’a. Kuo ‘osi fakamo’oni’i ‘eni ‘i mamani lahi kau ai mo Tonga ko e fakakaukau hala ia ke tau pehe koe’uhi ko e na’e fili’i e tokotaha koia ‘oku ‘i he lakanga, ‘oku pau ai ko e tokotaha lelei taha ia ki he ngaue koia. Pea ko e taha, ‘oku ‘ikai ke hanga ‘e he fili (vote) ‘o fakapapau’i mai ko e tokotaha koia kuo fili te ne fai e me’a ‘oku totonu pe loto ki ai e kau fili. Na’e hoko a Hitler ‘o Siamane ko e Taki hili ia hono fili ‘e he kakai. Na’e fili ‘e he kakai a Idi Amin ‘o Uganda, Khomeini ‘o Iran, Sadam ‘o Iraqi, mo e kau taki ke he pe. Ka ‘oku mou manatu’i kotoa e ‘ulunganga fakaheli ‘a e kau takini. Ne mate e kau Siu ofi ki he 6 miliona he ‘aofinima pe ‘o Hitler tokotaha. Pea ‘oku mou manatu kia Idi Amin “the Congo Cannibal”. Koeha leva e ‘aonga e fili? Ko e ola ‘ena ho’omou fili. Pea ko e kakai ‘ena ‘oku mou poupou’i mai ke taki hotau fonua kuo nau tafoki ‘o fakamasiva’i e fonua ‘aki ‘enau siokita mo e ta’emanonga. Na’e ‘ife ‘etau kau fakafofonga na’a tau fili, ‘a e kau tamio’eiki na’e fili’i.

‘E fu’u mahu’inga kia au pe koeha e siasi ‘e kalo kiai ‘a ‘Akilisi. ‘Oku ne launga ‘o pehe koe faingata’a ke nau tauhi ki he totonu mo e lelei pea fai ki he loto ‘o e kakai he ‘oku fa’iteliha pe ‘a e Tepile ‘a e kau Nopele tupunga mei he’enau toko lahi ange he taimi fili (vote). Kau tau pehe pe, koeha ‘oku ‘ikai ke nau (Tepile ‘a e Kau Fakafofonga ‘a e Kakai) o ai ‘o fakaului mai e kau Nopele ki he’enau fokotu’utu’u. Ko e ngaue fakafalealea ia ‘oku pe he. ‘Oka malava pea na’e ‘osi kamata mai mei he Tu’ipelehake kuo pekia. Kuo ha mai ‘eni ia kuo malava ‘e he tepile ia ‘a e kau Nopele ‘o fakaului e kau Fakafofonga ‘a e Kakai ‘i he hiki vahenga. Te tau paloplema ‘ia pe ‘o a’u ki he ha’ele’anga ua mai ‘a hotau Fakamo’ui he ‘oku ‘ikai ha fa’ahinga founga (system) ia ho tau pule’anga ke ne pule’i mo fakangatangata (check and manage) ‘a e ngaahi fakakaukau hange koia kuo fai ‘e he Falealea.

Te u ngaue ‘aki pe ‘a e founga Amelika Ha’amoa ‘oku ou maheni kiai. Ko e tapatolu ‘oku ‘iai e Falealea, Senato pea mo e Kovana. Ka fokotu’u ‘e he Falealea ha lao pea paasi (fiema’u ke malohi ‘aki e fo’i fili (vote) pe ‘e taha), ‘e ‘ave leva e Lao koia ki he Senato ke nau alea’i. Kapu ‘e toe paasi ai pe he Senato pea ‘e ‘ave leva ki he Kovana. Ka fakamo’oni ai e Kovana pea paasi leva ko e Lao ‘o e fonua. Kapau leva ‘e ‘ikai paasi ‘e he Senato e Lao kuo paasi atu mei he Falealea. ‘E toe fakafoki leva e Lao ki he Falealea. Ka toe alea’i leva ‘e he Falealea ‘e ‘ova he 70% (2/3) ‘ae kau loto kiai pea ‘e fakata’e’aonga’i leva ‘a e ta’e loto ‘a e Senato kae paasi e Lao ia ke ‘ave ki he Kovana. Ka faka mo’oni ki ai e Kovana pea hoko ko e Lao. Kapau ‘e paasi mei he Senato kae ‘ikai tali ‘e he Kovana (veto power) ‘e toe foki e Lao ki he Senato pea ko e me’a tatau pe ‘e hoko. Ka ‘ova he 70% e kau loto kiai, kuo pau leva ke tali ‘e he Kovana ia ‘a e fokotu’u ko e Lao. Ko e mahu’inga ‘o e foungani, ko e ‘ikai ha taha he tapatolu ‘e fu’u malohi ke fa’iteliha. Pea ‘oku ‘i ai e founga ke nau fefakatonutonu’aki ‘e nau tamu’a ngaue pea toki paasi ko e lao.

Ki he kau nofo ‘i Pangai Si’i ‘oku ou kole atu ke mou toe ki’i fakakukau lelei ange. Te u ‘ai hangatonu atu pe ki hoku ongo tokoua ko Filipe Tongamoa mo Setefano. Ko e kakai ‘ena ne mou fili ki he Falealea ‘oku nau kei fehalaaki pe. Kole atu au ke mou takataha foki ki hono ‘api ‘o tauhi mo ako’i ho’omou fanau ke tupu hake ‘o poto mo fakapotopoto hake. He ka ‘ikai, ‘e kei sai pe a Tonga ia, ka ‘e fiu e kau Polisi he taufetuli holo mo hotau fanga ‘uhiki. Pea ‘ikai ngata ai, te nau tupu hake ai pe ‘o mo’ui fakaongoongo mo toho holo kinautolu ‘e he kakai kehe ko e to nounou ‘e tau teu’i kinautolu ‘i faleako mo falelotu. Ko e tonounou ‘e ‘eke mai kia kitautolu kau tauhi fanau ha ‘aho. Tapu ‘aupito ke ha mai ha kohu. Mahalo ko hoku taimi ‘eni ke u lea atu ai he ne u fo’i ho’omo lau lotu he ngaahi ta’u mai koe. ‘Oku tangi hoku loto ko e ‘ikai ke mou toka’i atu hotau fanga tokoua mei Savea mo e Kelekele ‘o mavahe mei Pangai Si’i. Tuku ai pe Pule’anga ia ke mavahe. Ko ‘etau kei Tonga ko ‘etau feveitokai ‘aki. ‘Oku lahi e ngaahi me’a ‘oku ou loto au ke fai ‘i Tonga. Ka ko e lea mai pe ‘a e tufefine moe fa’e ke tuku, ko’ene tuku ia. ‘Oku ‘ou ‘ilopau ‘oku ‘ikai ke puli ‘ia kimoua e me’a ne mei hoko kapau ko e Pangai Si’i ‘ena he funga maka ‘o e Tu’i Manu’a. Mou loto ma’ulalo a ‘o tukuange mu’a a Pangai Si’i ia ke ‘ata. Ko ho tau le’o mo hotau loto kuo tau ‘osi tuku ia ki he ‘aofinima ‘o ‘Akilisi mo hotau kau fakafofonga. Pea kapau ko hono ola e ko ‘enau hiki vahenga lolotonga ‘e tau masiva ko e kulanoa ‘e tau fetangutu’i ‘a kitautolu ‘i Pangai Si’i. Faka‘apa‘apa atu - Mafi ‘o Amerika Samoa

98% favors the PRs' model! - Tevita Langi (Tama Foa):
Today is Tuesday, the 7th of November, 2006. Americans are out to vote for their representatives who will be representing them in the Congress (almost equivalent to the Parliament in Tonga). I couldn…’t standby and wish who will represent me, so I went to cast my vote. Oh my! How things have changed! Change that! It was a big contrast from the ballot booth I used to cast my vote back in Tonga. In Tonga, I took the bus to Pangai Si‘i to cast my vote, where the voting booth is in a tent. Here in the US, the government brings the voting booth (computer) to you. I guess it is the computer age that makes things convenience. Banks are helping out as well. The voting machine was in the shopping mall. I went in there, looked for the line and wait my turn. When my turn came, I stepped up; push several buttons, and I was done. The computer even knew my name. What a beautiful feeling! I voted, stood there for a moment to reflect and savor the moment.

I came back with mixed feelings as I compared my first voting experience in America with what I was used to, back in the Kingdom. I heard through the radio, the voter turn-out or percentage of the people, who came out to vote, was a disappointing 52%. That means, barley less than half of those who should have voted showed up to vote. For a minute, I was very proud of being a Tongan, though I am an American citizen now. I swear I could not tell the difference between being Tongan or American in the U.S. I thought about the accomplishment Mr. Akilisi Pohiva and his Democratic Party had achieved in their inter-village blitz to share their democratic message or proposal for change. Mr. Pohiva claimed, after meeting with 23 villages, 98% of those whom they talked to are supporting their proposal. Based on this assumption, Mr. Sevele and the Government were wrong to bring a counter proposal to the Tu'’i Pelehake's proposal before Mr. Pohiva and his group presents theirs. 98% favored their proposal?

As I reflected on these two numbers, 52% and 98%, an epiphany came to me. 52% percent is better than 98%. It was not easy for me to accept the lower number. As I pondered, how long do you think it will take someone shallow minded like me to ponder? Split second! So, I said to myself, Self, why would you prefer the lower number (52%) instead of Mr. Pohiva's 98%? If you are wondering about my math as well, you are right. My problem with the 98% is this. There are only 3 countries in the world that can beat Mr. Pohiva's 98%, China, Cuba and Iran. In these three countries, if you voice your opposition to the government…’s directives, you…’ll never be found. And if you are found, you'll be dead as a door nail. They have a perfect score (100%) in their elections.

During the last Parliamentary campaign, Mr. Pohiva was opposing loudly the candidacy of all non-Temo candidates. Mr. Pohiva had a few spicy words for Mr. Clive Edwards as well as his new Junior Temo Party. Mr. Pohiva was very vocal in his campaign slogan, …“If you are not Temo, you do not belong in the Parliament. Today, Mr. Pohiva and Mr. Edwards are so tight you may need a bulldozer to pull them apart. Their new slogan seems to be, "Our Way and None Other". As I thought about their inflexibility and their closed minded to debate all available proposals, I knew then, if they become the leaders of the kingdom, they will get a 100% of every vote in the kingdom. I don't know about you, but that scares me! Our vote will not have any meaning then.

My reflection at the voting machine was short lived. I had to hurry up because there was a long line, people were waiting to vote. As I walked away from the voting machine, someone tapped my shoulder and said, Sir! You forgot to take your money and your receipt. As I walked away, I was puzzled at how I paid to vote and got money back as well as how the computer knows my name. Computers! Instead of displaying pictures of the candidates or a U.S. Government logo, the computer displayed a picture of cowboys from the Old West. Even better, the computer talked to the voters. It welcomed me, a first time voter. Every vote counts! It finally came to me. ATM is the official name of the voting machine. What a country! Computers! - TamaFoa

Ta‘e‘ofa faufau pehe - ‘Ofa ki Tonga:
Na`a ku `osi tala atu `i he`eku ongo tohi atu ki mu`a, kuo mate teilo `a e konisenisi ia `o e kau Fakafofonga Fili `I he Fale Alea, pea kuo `ikai pe kenau toe pehee mai `e kinautolu pe koeha `etau sio ange.

`I he faka`osinga `o e Fale Alea `o e uike ko`eni na`a tau toki situ`a atu ki ai, na`e fakahoko `a e konga `uluaki `o e Lulu Tava. Na`e tomu`a vahe`i ai `e he Kau Fakafofonga Fili, Tepile `a e Hou`eiki mo e Tepile `a e Kakai, `a e Hiki ko ia honau Tefito`i Vahenga.

Ko e anga maheni `oku fa`a toki fai `a e ma`u `a e me`a`ilo `a e Hou`eiki Fale Alea he houa efiafi, pea lava ai ke nau ma`u kotoa `a e fakataha. Ne ki`i kehe `a e uike ni ia he na`e tu`utu`uni `e he Sea `o e Fale Alea ia ke `omai `a e me`a`ilo `a e kau meemipa ia he houa pongipongi. Mou mate`i mai pe ko e ha leva `a e me`a ne hoko he houa efiafi ki he feme`a`aki `a e Fale Alea?

Ko e Tepile `a e Hou`eiki na`e toe pe `a e toko 3 kae pulia `a e toko 6 ia, pea ko e Tepile leva `a e Kakai na`e ma`u fakataha pe `a e toko 5 kae pulia `a e toko 4 ia, fakakatoa li`aki `a e toko 10 ia `o e kau fakafofonga! Ko e me`a `eni na`a ku malanga`i atu! `Oku mou pehe na`a nau `alu kinautolu ki fe`ia? Na`a nau matuku kinautolu `o pefu `o katoanga`i `a hono fakapale`i pakupaku pe kinautolu `e he fonua mo hono kakai.

Koeha `a e me`a kuo hoko ki he totongi fakafoki mei Siulai 2005? Kuo toloi ia ki he ta`u kaha`u? Ko e ha `a e `uhinga hono toloi ki he ta`u kaha`u? Na`e `ikai ke fai ia ko e tupunga ko e `ofa `a e kau fakafofonga! Na`e toloi ia ko e maha mo e pakupaku `a e ki`i lepa `i Falepa`anga `Oiaue Fakapo, mou tuku pe keu tangi laulau pe, he kuo u faka`ofa au he fu`u ta`e`ofa faufau pehee sio atu pekae tamate`i pe……iueeee!!!! `oiaueeeee!!!!! Te u toki hoko atu - ‘Ofa-ki-Tonga

Don't look down at others - Joe Smith:
The remark by Loketi Niua Latu (Money the root of all evil) about Palangis being selfish is as much a racist stereotype as saying all Tongans are lazy and leach off one another. The writer should appreciate the different cultural values that each culture has. It may be that Palangis are not selfish but that they have different beliefs than Tongans when it comes to personal responsibility and ambition. Tongans can possibly be considered selfish because what Tongans really think about is how does this effect Me, how will I be viewed by others, how will this make My family look, etc. It is really no different than how the Palangis think, you are just using a different cultural values to show how successful you are.
Both cultures have positive and negative aspects. Running down another culture or person so you can look down upon them is always wrong. Pull yourself up with your own hard work and moral courage and when you get to the top, try not to look down at others. Respectfully - Joe Smith

Learn from the Chinese - Siosaia Moehau:
During the 80s, pro-democracy movements became wild and hot in China. It led up to about 5 million individuals and students wildly crashed into Beijing’s Tianamen Square and demanded Chinese government to change from Communism to Democracy. I witnessed this live on CNN from Beijing at the time. All of a sudden, the Chinese military thrashed into these protesters with their war tanks and big guns. Forcing all protesters out of the way, and turned out to be very bloody. The protests then ended, and the pro-democracy movement leaders were all put in jail for disrupting peace. I then had a very negative opinion of the Chinese government for doing such a wild act against its own people. I kept that opinion within me until the last four years when I started to do business with the Chinese in China. I came to realise that Communism is the only right form of government for the Chinese people. I now praise the Chinese government for being strong during the 80s and stood up for what is best for its people and the nation as a whole.

Today, China is one of the biggest Super Power in our world, and holds the most US Dollar Cash reserve. Meaning, if there is a recession or depression in China today or tomorrow, China will survive only with this US Dollar cash reserve. There are so many multi-millionaires in China right now, more than we can ever imagine from the 80s. Industries and Businesses are growing and everybody is busy working everyday regardless of what they are doing. The world is now complaining of Chinese products invading almost in all international arena and market places. Even the Americans are complaining not only of Chinese products penetrating its markets, but more to China’s hidden annual millitary budget spending. I had once asked my Chinese business partner what does he thinks about his government and Chinese politics. His answer was that all he needs is for his government to protect him and his family. His job is only to work hard every day, put food on the table, educate his children, and pay his bills.

While the Americans busy trying to boss around the world, China is busy opening up its big purse and help poor nations. Just this week it had a big conference with the leaders from the African Nations discussing all possible ways of how they can help each other, and again with a multi-million dollar donations. Even our beloved island nation and our neighbors are very fortunate to get a piece from this big pie. Chinese idealogy is based on the philosophy of their fore-fathers, and I simply sum it up like this: “The best possible way to win a conflict is try to do it without fighting.” Should not we learn from the Chinese? Should Monarchy be still the right form of government for Tonga? Democracy is not a bad system, however, it suits more bigger and richer nations. We should be very careful what we are asking for. It would take only one day for one idiot to corrupt and bankrupt a small island.

Now, some of our business colleagues have walked the Taufa’ahau Road demanding for the PM to resign due to a decision to close down all bonded warehouses, but forgeting who our PM is. Our PM achieved the highest level of education and has been one of the biggest business man in Tonga, and he knows the deal. Remember we are humans and everybody makes mistakes. These demonstrations make it look like no one is good enough to be PM in Tonga. We often blame Customs for corruptions, but who initiated these corruptions? Is not it takes two to tango? We need to give our leaders respect and give them time to do their jobs. We cannot be all PMs and Ministers of the Crown at one time. We should all sit back, work hard, and wait for our chance to come. And if your chance comes, you better be ready. Imagine if we put our top critics on PM position right now. I am sure less than three months the whole of Tonga will be on the street demanding to revive our capital punishment. But I doubt any of them would accept the challenge because they know it is the begining of an end of their career.

My point is, the more we disrupt our leaders, the slower we grow. Our economy is growing, but at a very slow paced. I am sure our leaders are busy day and night thinking of all possible ways to move us ahead and into a faster paced. They need our help and support. Please give it to them. And for our leaders, you need to be stronger and throw a challenge. We need a stable government and a stable economy. Malo e fai ‘etau ngaue - Siosaia Moehau

Ngalivale ‘a e lotu he fonua - Pulotu ‘Ilavalu:
Tukumu’a ke u kau atu he fofola fala oku fai, he ko ‘etau nofo oku tau tau’ataina ke fakaha ‘etau faka-kaukau mo ‘etau ngaahi tefito’i ‘uhinga ‘i he ngaahi me’a koia oku lolotonga hoko ‘i hotau fonua ni. ‘Oku ‘ikai foki ke puli ‘a e faka-fa’afa’ahi mo e konga 2 ‘a e me’a ‘oku fai ki ai ‘a e talanoa pea ‘oku hange leva ko ha fehangahangai ‘aha ongo fonua kehekehe, kae hili koia ko e kakai tatau kotoa pe, kakai Tonga. ‘I ai ‘a e kau taki ia kau atu ki ai mo e Hou’eiki pea mo e kakai ngaue ‘i hotau Pule’anga pea ‘ikai ngata ai ko e kau taki ‘o e lotu he fonua pea ‘i he’ene pehe ‘oku tau to’o mai leva ‘a e tala ko’eni, Ko e fe me’a e faaitaha ai.

‘I he ‘etau kalanga mai ‘a e pule’anga ‘i ha’anau fokotu’utu’u hili koia ‘oku lolotonga ngaue he loto’i pule’anga ha toko 500 tupu ai ko e kakai ‘oku nau kei vahe mei he pule’anga kae hili koia ‘oku nau fe’aveaki ‘a e tafa’aki ‘a e pule’anga mo e fa’ahi ‘e taha. ‘E ma’u ha lelei ai? ‘I he ‘etau tui ki he lotu faka-kalisitiane ‘oku ‘ilo ‘eni ‘e he kakai ‘o e fonua ‘a e mahu’inga ‘o e Lotu mo e siasi pea tau takitaha taukave’i ‘a e ngaahi tokateline ‘oku tau tui ki ai.

Ka ‘i hono vakai’i atu kuo a’u ‘eni ‘a e kau faifekau ia ki he tu’unga pelepelengesi, kuo fuhu ‘a e kau paipa ‘o e siasi pea a’u ki hono teu faka’ilo ‘a e palesiteni kapau ‘e kei faifekau pe ‘a e taki ne fuhu koia ne tuku ai ki tu’a ‘a e ongo taki fuhu ka e hili koia ko e kau tangata eni ‘oku nau fa’a kaka hake he tu’unga ‘o fai ai hotau hinoi’i. Ko e fua eni ‘o e lotu? ‘I he ngaahi Laka Fakaha loto talu mei he ta’u kuo ‘osi mo e vakai’i atu ‘a e Takimu’a mai ‘a e Kau Taki Lotu mo ‘enau to’omai ‘a e Tokateline ‘o e Lotu ‘o fakangalivale’i pehe’i ke lea atu ‘a e kakai ki he me’a pelepelengesi ko e Lotu. ‘Oku ou faka’apa’apa peau kihe Lakanga he ko e Lakanga mahu’inga he ko e lakanga kete tu’u ihe vaha’a ’ oe Otua mo e Tangata ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha lakanga kete tu’u he vaha’a ‘o e tangata moha Pule’anga. Ko e fua eni ‘o e kuonga faka’osi. Te tau a’u kife kapau ko e kakai eni ‘oku nau lolotonga to’o fatongia he fonua mo e Siasi ‘oku nau kehekehe pea he ‘ikai te tau faaitaha kapau ‘oku kehekehe ‘a e kau tauhi sipi pea kehekehe ‘a e kau ngaue ‘a Pule’anga ‘a e tautoitoi i loto’i ngaue

Koia ai tau faka-kaukau ko e fe ‘a e me’a te tau faaitaha ai he ko’eni ko e lolotonga ni ko e fuhu ‘a e kau faifekau ko e to atu, pea ‘ikai tuku pe ‘ena fuhu kia kinaua kae hanga atu ‘a e faifekau e taha ke faka’ilo ‘a e Palesiteni mo e siasi kapau ‘e kei faifekau ‘a e tokotaha, pea ko’eni kuo na fononga atu kihe loto hala pule’anga o hokoatu ai ‘a e ngaue ae faka-faifekau pe ‘oku na ilo’i ‘ena fakangalivale’i ‘a e Lotu he fonua? ‘I he kakai kuo nau hoko ko e kau Taki Ngaue he Pule’anga koeni oku nau ‘anautolu ‘a e fa’ufa’u pea tuku atu ki he pule’anga taimi tatau pe ‘a hono tukumai kihe kau tama ko e ‘oku nau fai ‘a e faka-anga.

Ko ‘eku ki’i fehu’i atu ko ho’omou ngaue pehe ‘i he funga ‘a ha ongo Pule’anga kehekehe ‘e 2 pe koha ongo fonua kehekehe kae hili koia ko e Pule’anga Tonga ‘oku fai ‘a e tautoitoi pea ko e faka’ulia ia ‘a e hiki vahenga 60.70.80 meihe uma ‘o e kakai ‘o e fonua kamou fai ‘a e ngaue faka-po’uli koia. Ko ia ‘oku totonu ke tau ki’i siofiange ‘a e faikehekehe ko’eni he ‘oku ‘ikai ko e Liliu ‘a e Palepolema ka ko e faka-hoko fatongia ‘a e tefito. Malo - Pulotu ‘Ilavalu

Political suicide by the Nobles - Sailosi Finau:
There is no bigger and more critical question on Tonga's political reform other than the question of whether the king should only be a ceremonial figure or should he hold on to some “modified form of political power. This is the key difference between the government's pro-king roadmap and the People Representatives'’ anti-king proposal. The final and adopted answer would obviously have a direct bearing on the future significance of the nobles in our political evolution.

The pro-king proposal appreciates the king's (and the nobles'’) social status in the lives of Tongans. One would have then assumed that the nobles would side with the government on matters that would weaken the anti-king effort. But surprisingly this was not the case during the House's Salary Increase ballot. It would have been a perfect opportunity to slow down the anti-king…’s advances and to fire left right and centre at the PRs if they were defeated in the proposed salary increase ballot. Instead the nobles willingly added more ammunitions to a very well-armed camp in order to speed up their effort to do away with the king.

The message is then very clear. The nobles would rather enjoy whatever financial gains they can lay their hands on now and no more seats for them in the House, come the 2008 election. They probably would not mind a removal of their estates and their entitlement to the land rents too! ‘‘Ofa atu - Sailosi Finau