The Government Auditor-General's report on the alleged misuse of funds by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Fineasi Funaki, is expected to be completed before the end of February.

The Minister of Information Hon 'Afualo Matoto said today that the Auditor General, Dr Pohiva Tu'ionetoa, had indicated that he would release his report before the end of this month.

'Afu'alo said the investigation was continuing as new matters arise and the Auditor General had to travel to Vava'u and Ha'apai for further investigation.

"I heard from his interview on Radio Tonga that he will release the outcome of his investigation before the end of this month," said 'Afu'alo.

Submit to Cabinet

Once the investigation is completed 'Afu'alo said that the report on the findings will be submitted to the Prime Minister Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele, and from there it will be submitted to Cabinet for discussion.

"I foresee that once the report is taken to Cabinet that Fineasi will be asked not to attend so as to let Cabinet discuss the findings of the investigation independently."

'Afu'alo clarified that the investigation had not just focused on the $3,000 cheque donated by the Chinese Embassy to assist in the Pacific Tourism Ministers meeting that was held after the Pacific Island Forum Meeting last October.

"There are other matters alleged against the Minister of Tourism by the CEO Edgar Cocker, and the investigation will deal with all them and that is why it is taking up this time," he added.

The Minister of Information has requested that the Prime Minister allow the outcome of the investigation to be made public.

"I have not received a reply but I will raise the issue again when the report is released."

The alleged misuse of funds by the Minister of Tourism was made in early January in a letter of complaint by Edgar Cocker to the Prime Minister.