Tonga parliament lacks accountability [1]
Sunday, June 28, 2009 - 14:09. Updated on Sunday, June 15, 2014 - 20:26.
Editor,
It is disheartening to hear the more we are struggling for change, the more things remain the same in Parliament. It is also fair to say that I am grossly disgusted with the hard working members of our Parliament who lackadaisical join the House at their convenience, but rush to claim overtime pay when they are needed to do what they were elected to do in the first place. It stinks to high heaven, and it shows their greed and their love of power more than upholding the duties they campaigned for.
In my lowly opinion, authority, responsibility and accountability go hand in hand in a democratic experience. But so far, it seems members of Parliament do not want accountability, the most important part of democracy. They come late to the parliamentary sessions as often as they wish, and they adjourn to avoid a schedule conflict with a church conference. Please pardon my ignorance. I did not realize wages of the honorable members of parliament are paid by the church.
The government is quick to claim poverty and increase the tax burden on the people. Yet, wasteful spending and over compensation seems to be the rule of the day. Meanwhile, members of Parliament only gave a feeble protest while enjoying their part in this looting. For example, if each commission (Royal Land and Judiciary Commissions) who earns $1800 per meeting per day is consist of 3 people per commission, the compensation per person for each day is $600. That is 600 big ones for a few hours of meeting.
In most cases, the common citizen has to work almost a month to earn that. On the other hand, members of Parliament only work for a few hours, that is, if they come at all. The roll call showed Noble Lasike was late. But as the debate went on, PR Lavulavu revealed, he was the lone PR from Vava'u. I am so dumb! I thought Vava'u elected 2 PRs. But, I am just thinking out loud. For all we know, the other Vava'u PR may have been out looking for Tatafu Moeaki. Show yourself Mr. Moeaki! Where is the bridge?
I can babble all day regarding this madness, but I doubt it will change anything. The Irish poet, Oscar Wilde, once wrote, "Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people." 'Akilisi Pohiva helped my point as he "advised Teisina and 'Etuate over their concern about development projects in the outer islands not being implemented . . . that a big percentage of the budget goes to paying salaries, leaving very little for development." Huh?
From the Parliament's own minutes: The House was closed until 6:00 pm. But to the commissions and the honourable members of the House, it is the sweet sound of "Chaching!!!"
Tonga! Too Poor! Too Taxed! And accountability? Are you serious? My country!!
TamaFoa
*Editor's Note ... The Vava'u No. 2 PR, Samiu Vaipulu is the Chairman of the Whole House Committee and therefore can't take part in debate in the House.