by Pesi Fonua

Noble Luani, the Chairman of Tonga's newly formed parliamentary Tripartite Committee for Political Reform does not think it is possible for his committee to produce a plan to replace Tonga's 131 years old system of government, within a mere three weeks.

"The task that has been given to us is enormous. If you take into consideration that our existing system of government is 131 years old, are we going to change that within two to three weeks? No. But by August 6 there should be something for us to present to the House."

In an interview on July 14 with Matangi Tonga Online, Luani said that their terms of reference set by the Agenda Committee of the House, "is to gather information on the need for political reform from the government, the nobles and from the people. My interpretation is that it includes the work of the NCPR. There are models for political reform and we are gathering all these models. The committee will vet all these models."

Important question

Luani also commented on the integrity of the committee, which includes three People's Representatives who are awaiting trial on sedition charges relating to the destruction in Nuku'alofa on November 16. The House also last month passed a resolution for Contempt of Parliamentary Proceedings against these same PRs.

So why are these PRs sitting on the committee that is going to decide the future of the country?

"There is nothing I can tell you," said the chairman. "That is a very important question, but all that I can tell you is that each of the three tables selected their own representatives, and those were the members that they selected to form the committee.

"I appreciate your concern, but they selected me as chairman and for me, when I look at my committee, I don't consider any of them to be related to November 16.

"I don't consider my membership in the committee, that I am in it because I am a Noble's Representative, but only because I am a Tongan national. We are there as Tongans who were given a task."

The members of the committee are, The Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Viliami Tangi, the Attorney General, Mrs 'Alisi Taumoepeau, and the Minister for Youth and Sports, Noble Tu'ivakano. The Nobles' Representatives are, Noble Luani, Noble Tu'ipelehake and Noble Tu'ilakepa. The People's Representatives are 'Akilisi Pohiva, Clive Edwards, 'Uliti Uata. The Reserves are, for the Government Hon. Fineasi Funaki; for the Nobles, Noble Tu'iha'ateiho; and for the People, Lepolo Taunisila.