Trouble makers threaten government, claims Tongan PM [1]
Wednesday, August 17, 2005 - 09:45. Updated on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - 10:24.
From the House, translation summary by Pesi Fonua.
Tonga Legislative Assembly, Minute No. 23, Monday August 15, 2005.
The Speaker, Hon. Veikune, said that their working agenda for the day, was for the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to tell the House what they have done about the Resolution that was passed by the House for them to action the letter of petition from the striking Civil Servants.
The Prime Minister, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata asked for the Minister of Justice, Hon. Siaosi 'Aho, to tell the House about efforts that had been made to end the strike, and how each time it was turned down by the strikers, who had even refused to meet and discuss their grievances with the government delegation. He referred to the two who were standing (Prince Tu'ipelehake and 'Akilisi Pohiva) and said they were stirring up trouble in the land.
Tongatapu Nobles Representative, Prince Tu'ipelehake asked the Speaker to stick with the regulation of the House, and if the Speaker said there should be no debate on the matter until the following day, then they should do that.
Tongatapu People's Representative, 'Akilisi Pohiva said that it was important for them to keep talking while there was still an opportunity to talk in peace.
The Prime Minister said that 'Akilisi Pohiva had, and was still threatening government and the people. He said that the week before he put a pistol on the government's head and demanded a response from government. He reminded the Speaker that members were not allowed to make threatening speeches in the House.
'Akilisi wanted to reply but the Speaker reminded him that he wanted government to tell the House what they had done to the Houses' resolution, then members may comment on the government's submission the following day.
Prince Tu'ipelehake moved for the House to be postponed.
The Speaker postponed the House to the next day.