From the House by Pesi Fonua

Members of Parliament should read and have a better understanding of the law, the Constitution, and materials that are tabled into parliament, before they engage and debate in the House, King Tupou VI told the Tonga Legislative Assembly this morning, 22 January, in a message conveyed back to the House by Lord Vaha’i and Losaline Ma’asi.

The two MPs had been selected by the Speaker to deliver a response from the House to the King's message on the opening of the 2018 session on 11 January. This morning they reported back to the House on their meeting with the King last Thursday. The King conveyed his advice for the members to be better informed.

His Majesty’s advice appeared to have set the proceedings of the House in more focus today.

There were a few stirring comments that were made by some members, which would have caused an uproar, but the reminder by the King for members to read and understand that law and the constitution might have been taken to heart, because the issues did not escalate into any meaningful debate.

The House was scheduled to be in session for only two hours, from 10am to 12 noon. The agenda announced by the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua was for:

• Lord Vaha’i and Losaline Ma’asi to report to the House on their meeting with the King;
• for the House to approve the members of nine Standing Committees, and the members of the Retirement Board of the House;
• the approval of an Acting Ombudsman while the Ombudsman is on leave.

However, the House was firing up for a confrontational debate when Veivosa Light of Day Taka (PR No. 13), Vatau Hui (PR No. 17) and Losaline Ma’asi (PR No. 5), tabled a motion into the House for Members of Parliament to select the members of Standing Committees, instead of it being the responsibility of the Speaker.

No parties in Tongan system

Veivosa Light of Day Taka ventured off and claimed that Members of Parliament belong to three different political parties, the Nobles, the Independents and the Democratic Party. However, he was corrected by Lord Tu’ilakepa and Lord Tu’ivakano that there is no party in the Tongan Parliamentary system.

The debate on members of the Standing Committees moved on.

An issue relating to the Chairman of the Anti-corruption Standing Committee, Lord Fusitu’a, who was not in the House was raised by the Minister of Police, Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu. He didn't think it was right for the chairman to ask the organisers of overseas meetings to write and invite him specifically. The Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Semisi Sika proposed for the Minister of Justice, Hon. Vuna Fa'otusia to be the chairman of the Anti-corruption Standing Committee and it was approved by the House.

Before mid-day and the House closed for the day the Speaker called for votes on the members of the Standing Committees and their amendments, it was carried 21-2.  Against were Veivosa Light of Day Taka and Lord Nuku.

Votes on the members of the Retirement Board of the House, which is chaired by the Speaker and other members including the PM Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, Lord Tu’iha’angana, and a number of Reserve Members, including Tevita Lavemaau, Siaosi Sovaleni, Losaline Ma’asi and Lord Fusitu’a. It was carried 20-0.

Before the House closed until further notice, Linda Folaumoetu’i took her oath to be Acting Ombudsman, while the Ombudsman, ‘Aisea Taumoepeau is on leave.