Photos by Linny Folau and Kalisi Tu'ionuku

HM King George V closed the 2007 session of the Tongan Legislature this morning, promising that amendments to the constitution are in the hands of parliament who would decide how to implement reforms.

"Freedom and order will always be foremost," he said in his speech from the throne, but his words echoed across empty seats in the Queen Salote Memorial Hall this morning.

Along with five of the People's Representatives who boycotted the closing of Parliament, the public showed no interest in attending the ceremony this year and there were less than 100 in attendance, including those who had to be there such as the school children who sit cross-legged beside the mats.

Speech from throne

In his speech from the throne King George said that since Tupou 1 enacted the Tongan Constitution in 1875 it had become the foundation of the Rule of Law in the country.

He said that Tupou IV had consented, "that our constitution continues so that its binds together the King, nobility and the people so they all carry out the duties of the country thus ensuring our freedom".

At the same he recognised that it was time to restore politically the governing structure of the country, but in a manner that is appropriate with our culture, he added.

The king said that most of the work on political reform was completed in this past parliamentary session

"The path for us to take in the next parliamentary session is now clear.

"Ahead are amendments to the constitution and legislation and it is in the hands of parliament on whether to implement reform through statutory amendments or a conventional change in the application of the law which ever would please parliament, but I wish that the maintenance of freedom and order would always be foremost," he stressed.

The king added that when parliament opened in June it was established that the economy had exceeded earlier forecasts.

"Because of the faith the businesses have in our country's future prospects despite the efforts of some to create unrest and doubt, our foreign reserve has risen to $109 million pa'anga surpassing commodities imports for five months and the money that will be made available by banks for loans is at $35 million pa'anga," he said.

PR's protest

Meanwhile, five People's Representatives remained outside the Queen Salote Memorial Hall in what they called a peaceful protest to show their dissatisfaction over the abrupt closure of the House this week.

The five representatives were 'Akilisi Pohiva, 'Isileli Pulu, 'Uliti Uata, Lepolo Taunisila and Vili Kaufusi Helu.

"We decided its best for us to stand outside to show our disappointment over the decision to close early the Legislature," said 'Akilisi.

Before parliament adjourned for the Pacific Islands Forum meeting, the Speaker of the House had said that that they would resume and continue their work in regards to political reform and other issues, said 'Akilisi.

"But they just turned around and closed it.

"We are not dissatisfied with just one issue there are many others so we decided it would be better to stand outside here in peace to show Government our dissatisfaction and protest in a peaceful way without weapons," he said

House voted

The Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele said in response that it was a decision by parliament to close the House today and Government agreed.

"It is their own freedom but I do not believe what they are saying," he said. "They should have raised these issues of concern in the house for deliberation instead of raising them outside."

The Prime Minister added that the work is done for them and this is what they call democracy because parliament made its decision and the majority rules.

The only two People's Representatives present inside the closing ceremony were Samiu Vaipulu and 'Osai Latu.

Clive Edwards and Sunia Fili did not show up.

Marching

There was marching through town by children from selected primary schools today, but not on a much smaller scale than the massed school marches seen during the closing of parliament by the late Tupou IV.