Results for politics

Tongan MPs should learn something from Tuvalu. I read on the Pacnews of 27 October that the Small island state of Tuvalu makes Big decisions like freeze on allowances and overseas travels of MPs until cash flow problems improve, said new Prime Minister, Apisai Ielemia. "When my government came to power, we put in place some measures that we think would improve our finances. "“These are allowances of all MPs, cabinet ministers and backbenchers have been frozen until such time our economy can cope with it. There is also a freeze on overseas travel for cabinet and civil servants." - Seini Pua Mafi

The King and the Government of Tonga should allow the people to elect all the members of the Tongan parliament, Dr Sitiveni Halapua told the Tongan Legislative Assembly today (5 October 2006).... At question time a People's Representative 'Akilisi Pohiva asked how deeply had the NPCR and the people discussed Section 75 of the Constitution - the right of members of parliament to impeach Cabinet Ministers, because there had been 10 impeachment cases since 1912, but no ministers had ever been impeached in Tonga.

Over a thousand people took to the streets of Nuku'alofa today, in a national march to present to the Palace a letter of petition calling for "political reform". Photos by Linny Folau/ Matangi Tonga.

Tonga is on the verge of declaring a "state of emergency" and we all know that it is not a natural disaster that causes the crisis; it is a human creation. It is a triumph of matter over mind and morality. With catastrophe looming over Tonga, there are many who take this matter much too lightly. Shoreline (in this case Crown Prince Tupouto'a) and the Public Servants Association (PSA) are some who are unfazed with Tonga's bankruptcy reality.

The various political reform committees are leaping forward with courage and while their intentions and energy are perfectly aligned, we are faced with such a seismic moment in this strange chaos where follies are blended with all sorts of crimes. -Mele Payne Lynch

Tonga's system of government is good, but the system by itself is insufficient to bring about continued order, prosperity, and progress. What is needed is a common foundation of a moral and cultural absolute to 'undergird' our political system. - Malini V. Tukutau

What is going to happen in Tonga on December 5, 2005? The date has been earmarked by constitutional reformers as a deadline for government to make an immediate response to their demands for people to have the right to choose all members of parliament. Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.

I read about other's urgency to change the kingdom before the new king is crowned. Whether it is sooner or later, it will be the day history will judge us by how well we take care of the kingdom during our watch. Long term peace is never an accident. - TamaFoa

It is heartening to read articles that make really good sense! When I read the numerous exchanges, I wonder if we ever take time to really think about what is going on, what needs to be done, and how to go about it. This country of ours is unique in this world because of many reasons. Amongst those is the fact that we have an absolute monarchy, the only surviving one throughout the Pacific. We have an honor system that is exercised in our families, extended families, villages, islands, and collectively as a people. The ideals that Tonga was built on were the work of past kings, chiefs, of warriors, of people who were known for their courage and leadership. - M. Latu