Editor,

I thank all contributors and respect all commentaries express in MT Online in regards to CEDAW convention and in particular to the decision made by the House of Legislative on the issue. This debate seems spinning and moving no where. What I was thinking the major reason is our 'Attitude' towards our own interpretation on the issue and 'reaction' to the decision made by the House.

Our total population as per last Census (2006) figures shows about 50% is female and 50% are male. The 2008 election shows all other island's candidates registered women candidates, except the Ha'apai Island. The results of the election reveal starting from the Niuas, their two female candidates was the last one, same with Vava'u, 'Eua, and Tongatapu.

I am not disparaging the profile and capacity of those women candidates as I was surprised on the result, but the point that I want to raise here is: i) about 50% across island electorates are women; ii) why women didn't vote one to the House as their rep; iii) may be our local women knows better than us men on the candidate's profile, agenda and issues that threaten and risk their family lives; iv) we should respect and accept their decision as we are approaching the democratic change; and lastly, for us Tongan (diasporas) living overseas may be we are egotistical, too ignorant of the importance and impact of this issue to the local people and our beautiful island.

Are we fully aware of the CEDAW detail, the pros and cons that will bring, the threats and risks to our own families and their rights, our Christian and religious faith, cultures and traditions, laws, and Constitution.

Late Queen Salote III was one of our greatest leaders for 47 years. Everyone witness and experienced her leadership style. The country was united, families were pretty close, and our customs, traditional values were very strong. She was more conservative as I see but support and encourages her people to flourish in life and do well. She has proved that she is a great leader (not bcos she is a woman and has the respect), support and promote socio and economic development for both men and women (not bcos she has the power), and politically correct during her reign.

Everyone feels very comfortable with her leadership, no political, cultural, traditional threats or fear, as our biblical and religious faith strengthen our equal rights stipulated in our laws and constitution. So what's the fuss that we now trying to establish and advocate a hypocritical view to create disagreement that we deny Tongan women from their rights that was there since 1875.

I thank the two democratic progressive leaders who table the issue and later withdrawal showing a clear understand of the risks, and leadership quality that support the decision of House.
Charles Swindoll wrote, "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. It will break a company, a church, a home, a family . . . The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% is how I react."

Malo 'aupito

Viliami Tiseli