Results for Opinion

As a prospective visitor from the United Kingdom intending to stay in your Kingdom during January 05 I had hoped that after the demise of Royal Tongan Airlines the authorities would have learnt some basic lessons. - David Chapman

In light of the Government’’s success in adding "the cultural traditions of the Kingdom,"as a new conditionality on the freedom of speech and expression in Tonga, one can be forgiven for jumping to the conclusion that perhaps the Government wants the media and the Tongan people in general to revert to pre-Constitution Tongan standards in which back-chatting the chiefs was punishable by a serious flogging if not death. By Lopeti Senituli.

I read an article in the Matangi Tonga Online of 27 May 2004, and was overwhelmed and proud to be Tongan but also because my mother's family comes from Hihifo-Pangai, Haapai when I read about the heroic efforts of the people of Pangai, going to the rescue the 450 passengers stranded at Hakauloa Reef on the ferry MV Pulupaki in the early hours of 26 May 2004. -Andrew Fifita J.P.

Previously, I asked the question what is a true Tongan? or what have we inherited? and had the opportunity to read the many comments, concerns and views sent in by many Matangi Tonga readers. It is amazing to see that so many people do care and want the best for both the country and the people. Its is healthy to question, comment and express a view that will not only challenge our thoughts but our hearts, spirits and values that we cherish as Tongans. - Andrew Fifita J.P.

It is very interesting how the US Ambassador elaborates the uniqueness of Tonga in his previous ABC radio interview.- A. Tu'i

What is a true Tongan? What have we inherited? I was born overseas and I was led to believe that the true Tongan was either the monarchy or persons born in Tonga, bred Tongan and lived the Tongan way of life, culturally, socially and traditionally. The motto on the Tongan coat of arms says: "God and Tonga are my inheritance". For many young Tongans the question is, an inheritance to what? - Andrew Fifita J.P.

Under Tonga'’s Constitutional Monarchy system of Government the final executive decision-making power remains with the King. Therefore the burden of finding a solution to Tonga'’s current economic and Constitutional crises rests squarely on the shoulders of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. - Editor's Comment. Matangi Tonga, Vol. 18, No. 3

The controversy over the proposal by government to amend Clause 7 of the Tongan Constitution, giving government the right to make laws to control Freedom of Speech and the media, is dividing the country. Government is not going to win respect by changing the laws, simply because it has been losing its court cases against its critics. We are at the cross roads, in an unfamiliar Twilight Zone. Editor's Comment, by Pesi Fonua (From our Archives 2003).

During the past few years Tonga has become a Lali of the New Zealand media, and of some fringe New Zealand politicians. A Lali is a drum that is beaten hard with a stick, and in these people’s hands it has meant a thrashing for the Tongan Royalty and the Tongan government. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.