Highights from Tonga's newspapers, August 23-26, 2007

An English summary by Tevita Fonua.

The Kele'a reacts to suggestions by the Parliamentary Reform Committee chairman, Noble Luani, that political reform should proceed at an unhurried pace and not be aired publicly, while the topic was still being debated by the committee. It accuses Noble Luani of siding with the government and called for his immediate dismissal. It also blames the government for having bridled the committee and claims that political reform is now going in circles. The Kele'a advocates the termination of a committee that it describes as a waste of money, time, and a cause of people's anger.

The Taimi reports that 'Akilisi Pohiva had protested to Prime Minister Dr. Feleti Sevele regarding two episodes of the television program "The week with Kalafi Moala", that he deemed as political and causing unrest. 'Akilisi also lamented that they are not accorded opportunities to respond and claimed that the people are very angry at this unfairness. The Taimi chief editor and program host wondered if 'Akilisi ever gave anyone the chance to reply to the "allegations and lies" published in the Kele'a. According to Kalafi, the representative's comments demonstrate "the damage already affecting 'Akilisi's brain". Kalafi adds that each time 'Akilisi's blood pressure rises, the latter declares that the people are angry.

Both the Talaki and Taimi headline the Chief Justice's ruling against the Walter Trading Company Ltd, which is owned by Ha'apai People's Representative 'Uliti Uata. The Supreme Court ordered the company to pay outstanding debts worth $85,282 to the Ports Authority plus the plaintiff's legal costs.

The Kalonikali reports that 18 students have won scholarships to study in China; while another 41 Tongans have been recruited to pick apples in New Zealand orchards.