Results for Opinion

Candidates for Tonga'’s March 17 parliamentary election, with few exceptions, have one campaign theme, that we hear over and again: "Tonga must change its political system". Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.

There is an urgent need for Tonga to take a decisive action in 2005 on how to move forward with its economic and political reform programs. Editor's comment by Pesi Fonua.

Generations from now, Tongans will repeat those sentiments, over and over again, as they commemorate 10 November 2004, as the date when HM King Taufaha'au Tupou IV, gave his people the ultimate gift - a role in the selection of some of his Cabinet Ministers, and thus acknowledging that they have an integral role to play in the democratic governance of the Kingdom of Tonga. By Lopeti Senituli

I have noted the public outcry over the recent increase in the price of electricity and thought you might consider the following. In my opinion, considering the substantial forces arraigned against the non-oil producing countries by major global financial forces, any claims by certain unethical political candidates to provide, at a stroke, a panacea for the burden of high power costs are false. -Tupouto'a

FROM OUR ARCHIVES December 6, 2004. In this age of globalisation and Free Trade we are told we need to label our precious products. Therefore we should make sure that our "Made in Tonga" stamp sticks as Tongan youth move overseas to pursue their careers. Tonga has to handle its citizenship issue carefully. After years of being relaxed with the dual citizenship issue, why is government now disowning Tongans who have made us proud in the world sporting arena? - Editor's Comment by Pesi Fonua.

On November 10 King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and his Prime Minister, Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, made a historical decision to appoint four new Cabinet Ministers from the 18 members of parliament who will be elected in the General Election in February 2005. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua.

When the Tongan government launched its Economic and Public Sector Reform Program in April 2002, it was hailed by government, the Private Sector, and the public, as the beginning of a "Fight Back" economic recovery initiative. Editor's Comment - By Pesi Fonua

Tonga's process of law making at the moment is a matter of great concern. The recent overturning by Chief Justice Webster of the conflicting media laws, means we have to take a closer look at how laws are made in this country. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua.

It is nearly one year since November 2003 when Tongans lost their right to Freedom of Speech as a defence. After last year's Constitutional amendment, Tonga went back 128 years to the days when people were allowed to speak or to express an opinion only if it was in line with that of their superiors or chiefs. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua