From outside the House, by Pesi Fonua

An announcement by Tonga’s Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva that yesterday’s decision by parliament gave him the authority to punish Lavulavu for abuse of office, has astounded the media who were called to a press conference outside parliament today, Friday.

On Thursday, October 22, the House voted to reject a report of the House Standing Committee on Privileges that found there was a prima facie case to impeach the Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism, Hon. ‘Etuate Lavulavu, on allegations of abuse of office.

However, the Prime Minister took a different view. He believed that the decision by Parliament was intended to give him as Prime Minister the authority to punish Lavulavu, instead of the House. He said that it would take a few weeks to decide what that punishment would be, taking into consideration that Lavulavu had pleaded guilty.

The press conference at noon was called by the PM Pohiva who took half an hour to explain why he thought the parliament had voted for him to punish Lavulavu.

Rejection of recommendation

However, the Prime Minister’s personal interpretation of yesterday’s parliamentary decision was different from the way it was recorded.

The Clerk of the House Dr Sione Vikilani confirmed that the House voted yesterday against impeachment by rejecting the report of the House Standing Committee on Privileges.

The vote clearly freed Lavulavu from impeachment. If the impeachment case had gone ahead it would have been presided over by the Chief Justice and the members of parliament would be the jury.

At the press conference, the PM was asked if his interpretation of yesterday’s voting was in direct opposition to the principle of upholding the rule of law and transparency.

Hon. Pohiva said he believed in the rule of law and transparency, but he also has the authority to decide on the punishment that he should give Lavulavu, whom he had selected as one of his Cabinet Ministers.

Coaching

But, somehow, his whole explanation of why Lavulavu was not impeached seemed to be a farce.

Halfway through question time, the Prime Minister was joined by his personal assistant - his son Po’oi Pohiva, and through the microphone the media along with the rest of the country on the live broadcast could hear Po’oi repeating the questions that were asked of the PM, and Po’oi telling him what he should say in response.