Australia and New Zealand not happy with election of Tu‘ivakano: Akilisi Pohiva

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THE leader of the Friendly Islands Democratic Party, Akilisi Pohiva says that governments of Australia and New Zealand are “not happy” with Parliament’s election of Lord Tu‘ivakano as Prime Minister.

He said, “Since the previous regime has not been accountable and transparent to Australia and New Zealand with the aid they’ve given us, they don’t see any real change with this election of a noble as Prime Minister.”

“The core issue is accountability and transparency,” said Pohiva.

“They hate it,” Pohiva said, and that “Australia and New Zealand are sick of dealing like that with Tonga.”

“They looked forward to a real change in government, which it seems has not been realised,” he said.

Lord Prime Minister works hard to form a people’s Cabinet

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THE Kingdom of Tonga's first Prime Minister nominated by a majority popular elected Parliament, Lord Tu‘ivakano, is trying tirelessly to form his new Cabinet, comprising of a majority of people’s representatives.

Long time MP ‘Isileli Pulu, is said to have agreed the take up the “Minister for Revenue” portfolio in Tu‘ivakano’s Cabinet. He is one of the leading names in 'Akilisi Pohiva’s Friendly Island Democratic Party,

Lord Fakafanua broke the news today following further meetings between the PM and MPs. He has been the spokesman for the alliance of free MPs (which includes the Nobles) during the campaign for the nomination for the Prime Minister.

NZ High Commissioner cable: King’s meddling with funerals “might bring about his own overthrow”

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REAMS of sensitive US diplomatic materials have been blown wide open by Wikileaks, revealing the inner workings of US foreign policy, and how the US works to advance its own interests globally. Similarly, as far back as 2003, a leaked cable sent by a retiring New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga, Brian Smythe, to then Foreign Minister Phil Goff, was published by the New Zealand Herald.

The cable gives remarkable insight in to how New Zealand views the Kingdom of Tonga, as well as New Zealand’s objectives for the country. 

It reports that the democracy movement in Tonga wanted to be “crushed” by the King, Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV, which they hoped would allow for New Zealand intervention.However, New Zealand must not to be “seen” to be interfering.

FIDP calls for consensus cabinet

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THE Friendly Islands Democratic Party (FIDP) has called for a consensus type of Parliament in the Kingdom of Tonga, as parliament members prepare to vote for a Prime Minister.

Members are lobbying for proposals for a Prime Minister, after the country's historic election last month which saw FIDP rack up to 12 of the 17 popular elected seats in Parliament, with only 31% of the votes. One FIDP MP has broken off from the party, bringing down their seats to eleven, while the major titled traditional families or the Hou'eiki" hold another nine seats, bringing the total seats in parliament to 26.

Proposals for Prime Minister are being submitted to the Interim Speaker of Parliament, Lord Tupou. The vote will be held next Monday.

Cabinet is another check that mustn’t always agree: Vaipulu

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VAVA ‘U popular elected MP Samiu Vaipulu reminded members of the House of the Kingdom of Tongthat Cabinet should not always agree with Parliament and with each other, as a checking mechanism defending the Constitution.

“If the Parliament pass a Constitution amendment three times, Cabinet should be unanimous in voting on it. But if there is a single vote of dissention, then it is enough to stop that amendment,” said Samiu.

Tongan Former Speaker of the House arrested in relation to South American drug ring

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THE former Speaker of Parliament, Noble Tu‘ilakepa, has been arrested and remanded in custody while Police search for an alleged consignment of cocaine destined for Australia.

Seven search warrants were issued last Thursday on premises related to Tu‘ilakepa, including his residence in Tongatapu, Vava‘u, and the Parliament office in Nuku‘alofa.

Australia Federal Police led the crackdown on the drug ring, in cooperation with local authorities in Australia, Tonga, Peru, and Colombia.

Police Commander Christopher Kelley - detailed to Tonga from his native New Zealand - says the cooperation with AFP relating to the drug smuggling ring “has been going for some months.”

As a consequence of the searches, two firearms were seized from the Noble’s residence - an unlicensed .22 rifle, and a revolver (which is illegal for civilian possession). Several hundred rounds of ammunition was also found.

Magistrate Pita Soakimi directed that Tu‘ilakepa be kept under house arrest at one of the quarters at the Police Training Camp at Longolongo. Police monitor all communications with Tu’ilakepa, which are restricted to interactions between him and his family.

Tu‘ilakepa is suspected by Police of possessing, or knowing the whereabouts of up to 190 kilos of cocaine, intended for the Australian market.

A package of white powder was found in his residence, of which samples will be sent for verification in New Zealand.

One of the pieces of evidence linking Tu‘ilakepa and the South American drug runners is a letter written by him, on Parliamentary letterhead, to support the visa application of one South American person involved.

Tu‘ilakepa will be released from custody on Thursday.

There have been a number of arrests in Australia relating to the drug ring crackdown, including some Tongans.

Commander Kelley says that the information shared by AFP is solid, and that the case is before and under the direction of the courts.

It also means Tu‘ilakepa is presumed innocence until proven guilty.

Noble Tu‘ilakepa has recently been elected a Member of Parliament, as one of the Vava‘u Nobles Representative.