From the House by Pesi Fonua

The Tongan Parliament this afternoon rejected a motion for a Vote of No Confidence in the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa with a vote of 13-9.

The Vote of No Confidence on the Prime Minister with the signatures of ten People Representatives was tabled into the House on 9 December 2020 by Hon. Semisi Sika, the No. 2 People’s Representative for Tongatapu and signed by 10 People's Representatives.

There were seven points in the motion, alleging:

• that the Ministry of Health did not have an annual plan to counter coronavirus if/when it arrives in Tonga;
• that the government did not follow the proper procedure when it appealed for $39 million to finance its annual budget for 2020-21;
• there was a concern over the national roads project;
• there was concern over unfair distribution of government's regional and constituency funding allocations;
• allegation of unfair distribution of sidewalks;
• criticism of excessive spending on cabinet's national tours to conduct national fasting.
• concern about the stoppage of water melon to New Zealand, claiming carelessness by the Ministry of Agiculture in controlling export procedures.

The ten People’s Representatives who signed the Motion of the Vote of No Confidence were, Siaosi Pohiva, Semisi Sika, Mateni Tapueluelu, Losaline Ma’asi, Sione vuna Fa’otusia, Semisi Fakahau, Penisimani Fifita, Mo’ale Finau, Veivosa Taka and Dr Saia Piukala.

Deliberation over the Motion had been deferred by the Speaker of the House Lord Fakafanua until today, Tuesday 12 January 2021.

During the holiday break when the House was not in session, the Standing Committee on Privileges of the Legislative Assembly, under its Chairman Lord Tu‘i‘afitu presided over the Ten Clauses Motions for a Vote of No confidence in the PM, and the response from the Prime Minister to the Vote of No Confidence.

Prior to today’s meeting Members of Parliament have copies of the motion and the response from the PM, so the proceeding straight forward excepting for one issue that was raised by Mateni Tapueluelu, relating to Side Walks to be funded by China and was designated for Nuku’alopfa, Neiafu, Pangai and ‘Ohonua, instead they have been build in villages in Tongatapu.

Mateni expressed his concern that government misuse the Official Secret Act and they did not let the House know that they are not using the aid from China as it was agreed to.

There were a few exchanges over the issue, but Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, the Minister for the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development reminded the House that under Clause 62 of the Constitution, Cabinet can make public its decision if it wants to.  

The Speaker called for Votes on the report of the Standing Committee on the Privileges of the House; it was carried 14-10.

The Motion for a Vote of no confidence on the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa was rejected 13-9. (The former Deputy PM Vuna Fa’otusia, had left the session).

Before the House closed, Lord Tu'ivakano appealed for government to send Vuna back to New Zealand for treatment as he was not well.

The Speaker called for the House to close and resume proceedings tomorrow at 10:00am.