Editor,

Finally, we have a public apology from PM Dr. Feleti Sevele for the government's egregious carelessness that led to the Princess Ashika disaster (Ashika Inquiry...24 Feb. 2010). In our custom, his humility finally invokes one of the most important cultural protocols that binds us all as "Tongans"; no matter what class in society we were born to.

Tongans treasure the simple life connected to the "fonua" (collectively the land, its people, and their leaders), and the recognition by our leaders is one of our most precious cultural characteristics as a people. Simple as it may seem a vague generalization to Westerners, Tongan plight in travesties is healed when the highest authority in the land lowers himself/herself to recognize that we the people are not just "useful idiots."

Generous or Credulous?

We have a propensity to see good in all people. Unfortunately, our respect for the extended "kainga" rationalizes our trust in others to become the most generous if not credulous people on earth. Hence, Captain James Cook, the British 18th century navigator and humanitarian explorer, saw it fit to edge our legacy in history as "Tonga, the Friendly Islands." He had plenty of evidence for his claim, despite the nonsense claim that Tongan chiefs planned to kill him.

Contrasted to the old caveat, "One can't sell ice to an Eskimo," I propose that, "One can sell coconuts to a Tongan." Not because a Tongan needs another coconut, but because the seller must be in dire need of help. Our traditional brotherly love-based customs remained intact even after Christian missionaries "killed" off all our Polynesian ancient gods (Peter Buck, 1939).

PM's Gratuitous Logic

Inquiring minds wonder aloud, however. Was Dr. Sevele exhibiting (1) arrogance, (2) deep nationalistic fervor, (3) or egregious intellectual lapse in his "personal attack" (gratuitous logic) statement directed at the counsel assisting the Princess Ashika Commission Inquiry. It seems to me Dr. Sevele is a "fair-weather" friend of foreigners when seeking help from the PM's Office.

What does it matter who asks why the King has sole "constitutional authority" to appoint justices, especially the Supreme Court Judge? Tongans everywhere are asking the same question including this writer (PM fires 'Alisi to protect the king...08 Feb 2010; Malo 'aupito brother...14 Feb 2010).

Democracy or Absolute Monarchy?

Examining the pitfalls of the old system, and replacing them with "best practices" from working democracies, are our duties as current stewards of Tonga's political transformation "experiment". Democratic egalitarianism principles are against the King's absolute authority to appoint justices unchallenged by the people's representation. Such practice will fail every democratic litmus test every time.

The people's voice (Legislative Assembly) must challenge His Majesty's appointments of all judgeships as a matter of transparency in the "checks and balances" guarantee between the Three Branches of Government. The status quo is an "Absolute Monarchy" paradigm, not the trait of a free democratic society.

Recognizing the people's rights in an egalitarian political system would prove our leaders do recognize that the people are not just "useful idiots."

Reference: Buck, P. H (Te Rangi HIroa). (1939). Anthropology and (Polynesian) religion, Yale University, New Haven. London: Oxford University Press.

Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi