From the House by Pesi Fonua

Parliament has allowed Tonga's Prime Minister 14 days to respond to a Motion for a Vote of No Confidence in him signed by 10 People's Representatives.

This afternoon the House passed a motion in favour of breaking for two weeks to allow members to go on their annual National Tour, and to give the Prime Minister 14 days to respond to the motion.

The signatories to the motion filed with the Speaker on June 18 were: Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva, Semisi Sika, Sitiveni Halapua, 'Aisake Eke, Siosifa Tu'utafaiva, Sione Saulala, Sione Taione, Falisi Tupou, Semisi Tapueluelu and Mo'ale Finau.

After debating all day today July 2 on a motion by 'Akilisi Pohiva for the PM to respond within four days, and another motion by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, for the PM to be given 14 days, and also for MPs to consult the public on the Motion for the Vote of No Confidence on the Prime Minister during their national tour.

The Speaker, Lord Lasike called for votes on the motion for four days and it was rejected 14-13.

Objections to public consultation

When the Speaker called for votes on the motion for 14 days and for a Public Consultation on the motion for a vote of no confidence, some members raised objections to having a mandatory public consultation included.

'Akilisi Pohiva, Sitiveni Halapua and Lord Fakafanua objected to having any public consultation on the matter included in the motion.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, responded that the aim of a national tour by the Members of Parliament was to have dialogue with people on matters that concerned them, but he agreed for his motion to be just for the 14 days.

The Speaker called for votes and the motion was carried 14-12. The Speaker announced that the House would go on their national tour, starting tomorrow, July 3, and reconvene on July 17.

He also appealed to the Minister of Finance for his assistance in getting the financial requirements of the Members of Parliament ready.

In the budget for the new financial year the Constituents Fund for PRs has been increased from $1.7 million to $2 million [2], so each PR will have at least $117,647 in his pocket while on the 14 days national tour.

See also: $2 million slush fund for People's Reps [2]