Editor,

The PM's Office and Ms. Mallaney of Global Integrity are busy ridiculing each other. (PM's Advisor . . . 05 Mar 2010). They have not stated any useful purpose for arguing in this forum.

If either of them had supportive arguments based on deductive or inductive reasoning, we might find something valuable to read. Otherwise, they are both intellectually boring.

"Parachute" journalism

Ms. Mallaney's op-ed letter was a brief encounter on perhaps her first adventure into Tongan history. In the scope of such historical and literary importance (Tonga's 1000-year-old traditions), I would question her motivation to make a hasty assessment of her "fact-finding" trip prior to the scientific, and peer-reviewed process of her organization.

She left herself open to be caricatured as a "parachute" journalist. Meanwhile, her field study is a scientific research which uses quantitative analysis methodologies. She may have also contaminated her data, and the integrity of her professional judgment by playing "parachute" journalist for a day.

Tongan Arrogance: "CAC"

PM's advisor Mr. Senituli echoed the resonance of "CAC: conceit, arrogance, and condescending." Some historians have recorded the opinions of other Pacific Island neighbors, formerly ruled by the ancient Tu'i Tonga Empire, to describe the Tongan characteristics with CAC.

Samoans are still traditionally resentful to this day from 400 years of Tongan CAC "cruelty". Fijian chiefs preferred to be ruled by a far-away English Monarchy rather than Tonga's Governor of the Lau Group Chief Henele Ma'afu, cousin of King Siaosi Tupou I. The Polynesian islands of Tikopia in the Solomon Islands preserved Tongan CAC in their songs and dances (Raymond W. Firth, 1990).

The Real Issues

Like unto his boss PM Dr. Fred Sevele, Mr. Senituli lashed out at Ms. Mallaney's unsupported report with his own illogical arguments. Since he could not deny the Princess Ashika tragedy was direct failure in government operations, he resorted to discrediting her (gratuitous logic) by "shooting the messenger".

Last week Dr. Sevele lashed out at the counsel assisting the Princess Ashika Commission Inquiries with personal attacks (gratuitous logic). But inquiring minds are asking: Who is responsible for the leadership design, implementation, and guaranteeing ethical and good governance in government?

Summary: Scientific research (quantitative or qualitative) looks for trends and patterns in data and statistics, cultural traits, people's behaviors, and apply rigorous tests in logic. Mr. Senituli and Ms. Mallaney have not provided this forum with anything but their opinions.

Reference: Firth, Raymond William. (1990). Tikopia Songs: Poetic and musical art of a Polynesian people of the Solomon Islands. Cambridge, Massachusetts (USA): Cambridge University Press.

Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi