Results for Parliament

There is an urgent need to improve the current status of the Tongan government, Prince Tu'ipelehake said in Tonga, on Friday 13th, referring to what he called black clouds over the community. "What is most important to be done right now is for the chiefs, the government and the people of Tonga to be united in our search for the ultimate solution to the problem, which is beginning to come over us like a band of black cloud. It is urgently needed for us to decide on ways to improve the current status of our government," he said.

Now that they are illegal, Tongan adoptions will not be recognised by other countries From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 3, December 2003.

Democratic reform will help to preserve the dignity of the King, and his links with his people, says Taimi ‘o Tonga publisher, Kalafi Moala. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 3, December 2003.

The Tonga government has introduced one of the heaviest penalties for drug offenders imposed by any government in the region. -Matangi Tonga, Vol. 18, No. 3

The Tongan Parliament'’s decision to do away with use of the British Civil Liberty Law will hurt some Tongan families who were hoping to emigrate to New Zealand and Australia. Now that they are illegal, Tongan adoptions will not be recognised by other countries. -Matangi Tonga, Vol. 18, No. 3

Disregarding strong public protests and the opposition of People'’s Representatives, the Tongan Government pushed through a bill for Constitutional change on October 16. The changes, which have yet to be signed into law by the king, will allow government to control freedom of speech. The 16 members who voted in favour of the controversial Bill were: Prince 'Ulukalala Lavaka Ata, James Cecil Cocker, William Clive Edwards, Dr Masasso T. Paunga, Dr Viliami Ta'u Tangi, Fielakepa, Siosiua Tupou 'Utoikamanu, 'Aisea Havea Taumoepeau, Paula Sunia Bloomfield, Tuita, Malupo, 'Akau'ola, Fohe, Nuku, Havea Tu'iha'angana, and Tu'i'afitu.

The Tongan parliament closed early on Tuesday, September 16, after a heated quarrel broke out between the Tongatapu No. 1 People's Representative, 'Akilisi Pohiva, and the Vava'u No. 2 People's Representative, 'Etuate Lavulavu.

The Tonga Government’s Budget for 2003-04 of $156.2 million is the highest ever, and it is $37.5 million more than last year’s $118.7 million budget. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.

Several controversial and hastily-prepared bills that were introduced to the Tongan legislature when its 2003 session opened in June, have provoked international outrage and local concern. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 2, August 2003.