Re: Negotiations can save heartache of violence [1]

Dear Editor

I refer to Tama Foa's previous article "Negotiations can save heartache of violence...‚ in which the writer criticized Laki Niu's recent political campaign. Perhaps, Tama Foa is a little misguided but let me see if I can illustrate the point more clearly.

I think to quote the short phrase "violence will return" and then imply that Laki Niu may have "violent intentions" is in itself misguided. I think it is important for readers to consider the context of what Laki is saying by taking into account the recent political turmoil in Tonga. If Laki has mentioned this phrase in a media release, it is because he cares more about Tonga than himself.

Like him, many outside Tonga are always optimistic that the public turmoil in recent months will not turn into a civil war. This to me is a sign of a man with well intentions. I don't believe his quotes should be taken out of context. The recent violence in Tonga for example didn't have anything to do with the reformers or Laki Niu himself, because I don't believe they would advise students to burn their school buildings down anyway. That would have worked against their interest also. Who then do we have to blame for that violence? Violence is a natural progression that could develop out of anything, and this is generally evidence in public demonstrations when the people are not happy about their government.

I also think that Tama Foa misunderstood what Mr Edward and Mr Niu are proposing in their challenge for Tonga to initiate political reforms. Their proposition for parliament to appoint or elect a Prime Minister is well founded because that would provide the basis for a broader consensus that is reflective of what Tongans would want. This of course depends on whether the future of Tonga's parliament will be different to what it is now. The reformers are not proposing anything radical nor are they arguing for their viewpoints to be accepted by the rest of Tonga. What they are proposing, and based on their relevant experience over the years, is for Tonga to start the reform process now, and for the public to be part of that process. If the present government agrees to this, then you and I can participate in it and express our own views about the sort of government we would want to have for Tonga.

I sincerely think your criticism of Laki is heavy handed, unfair and unfounded, and for the fact that the language you were using purports to an act of inciting violence against Niu's family. (Quote: " . . . their families know where you live, Mr Niu and company...‚ and "what makes you think the Niu family will not be visited"). I really feel you should to re-examine your article carefully Tama Foa, particularly the quotes and to issue an apology to Mr Niu on Matangi Tonga. I know I would because we can criticize anyone we'd like as long as we refrain from inciting phrases that promotes violence towards that person or his family.

In the closing part of his article, Tama Foa seems to have no clue as to which side he was arguing for. On the one hand, he is proposing that the campaigners should negotiate and get enough petitions. On the other, he has no memory or idea that many of things he is talking about have been tried and failed over the past few years. It failed because the King and Parliament refused to budge to public pressure. It took the PSA strike for something positive to come out of this, but that is not necessarily the end of the struggle. For Tama Foa to turn this debate into a personal attack on Mr Edwards and Mr Niu is rather unfortunate. It is an incredible and naïve criticism when in fact what these gentlemen are doing is provide a model or a series of constitutional models that the rest of Tonga can examine, discuss and decide upon. If in the end, we don't agree to one or to all these models, it didn't really matter. What is important is that we all participated in the process in a very democratic way.

'Ofa atu,

Jason Faletau