Results for Opinion

The reign of His Majesty King George Tupou V, 2006-12, was the shortest of any of the monarchs of the Tupou Dynasty, since King Siaosi Tupou I ascended to the throne as the 19th Tu'i Kanokupolu in 1845. King George Tupou V, however, has been a mover and a shaker of Tonga's political, social and economic life, since he entered the civil service in 1970 as Crown Prince Tupouto'a at the age of 22 years. Obituary, by Pesi Fonua.

I fear for the future of my adopted country when, after four years of supposed progress, it seems like nothing has really changed. I pray my pessimism is unfounded, and indeed that these elections will usher in a new government and a better future for Tonga. However, from a distance, it seems like the power remains in familiar hands, and that these hands have and will continue to be self serving, without the accountability that elected officials must show. - Scott Yurcheshen.

We can say that: "The Battle is over and the War has started" and that is probably the best way to describe the outcome of the first round of Tonga's Parliamentary Election yesterday, as Tongans prepare for the second round of voting by the new members of parliament who are tasked with putting a new government into place within the next 28 days. by Pesi Fonua

'Ofa 'oku totonu e launga 'a Paula K. Kava mei Vava'u. Kapau 'oku mo'oni a Paula, 'oku tanaki leva 'a e Pule'anga ki he mamafa 'a e koloa. 'Oku 'ikai ko e maketi tau'ataina ia, he ko e pule'i filifili-manako ia ke fa'iteliha e pisinisi tokosi'i hono malu'i e mamafa 'a e koloa, pea fakalahi ta'etotonu 'enau tupu. - Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi.

The legality of parliament's voting on a very important motion and two reform bills legalizing Political Reform has become an issue that the Tonga Legislative Assembly has to address in order for the proposed political reform and the November 25 parliamentary general election to proceed. ...It wasn't that the House didn't know what they were doing. It is clear from the minutes that members were fully aware that they were passing an amendment that had not been drafted. They were also aware that they did not understand the bills and had not debated them before raising their hands in unison. In the Minutes, People's Reps 'Akilisi Pohiva and 'Isileli Pulu are on record saying that it was most unusual for the House to pass bills without even understanding the bills and the proposed amendment, but they both expressed their trust in the Minister of Justice and the Cabinet to go ahead and draft good bills. EDITOR'S COMMENT By Pesi Fonua.

I write to express my great concern about the incorrect . . . article in Matangi Tonga about Lord Dalgety being under 'House Arrest". I am aware that you were informed yesterday (Tuesday March 2) of the facts about Lord Dalgety's bail conditions by my brother Tavake Afeaki. Surely, we have learnt one thing from the Ashika tragedy and Inquiry - which is that we must all fulfil and discharge our duties fully and completely.... If you consider you were misled by the Police 'Press Statement', then by all means state this in your article. -Afeaki

'Oku 'I ai 'a e faka'apa'apa lahi atu ki he Mafi 'o Amerika Samoa mo 'eku malie'ia 'i he kaveinga 'oku ne lave ki ai. - Lou 'Uhila

Kataki pe mu'a ka e hao atu 'eku lave faka'osi pe 'eni ki he tohi 'a Posoa Finau 'oku pehe, "Tuku 'a e fakamole space mo e kai pinati fakaveve." 'Oku ha 'i he Talanga 'i he lea faka-Tonga. -'Aisea Tu'akihekolo Tu'ikolovatu

Since the tsunami came to Niuatoputapu we are very blessed on the island to recwive much assistance from abroad. Not just from foreign countries and organisations but also from many individuals who have given their money and their effort. I would like to thank with all my heart everyone, and make mention of those I do know. - Paea Fifita