Parliament silences radio broadcast of draft response to King [1]
Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - 12:33. Updated on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 - 12:43.
From the House by Pesi Fonua
Tonga's parliament suppressed live broadcasting of its debate this morning, in their first sitting since King Tupou VI questioned the honesty, integrity and abilities of the members in opening Parliament on 6 May.
The first task before the House this morning was to approve a response to the King's critical speech. But members seeking to avoid public scrutiny voted 18-2 to stop the live broadcast of the reading and debate of the House's draft letter to the King.
King Tupou VI officially opened the 2021-22 session with a virtual broadcast on 6 May.
This morning, the Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, said the response of the House to the King's opening speech was top of the agenda.
A committee of the House had drafted the response during the last week and a half.
However, Lord Tu’i’afitu, the Vava’u No. 2 Nobles’ Representative proposed for the reading of the draft of their response to HM Majesty’s opening speech of the House not to be broadcasted live. This meant the members comments or amendments to the draft response would not be heard by the public.
There were a few verbal exchanges but then the Speaker called for votes, and a majority, with votes of 18-2, were in favour for the proceeding of the House not be broadcasted live.
Against the motion were the Tongatapu No. 1 People’s Representative, Siaosi Pohiva, and the Vava’u No. 14 Peoople’s Representative, Saia Piukala.
The majority had their way and the radio was silenced.
In Tonga, the news media and the public rely on the live broadcasting of proceedings on national radio, because there is no public gallery in the parliament house.