Tonga's PM still feels he has numbers despite sacking Fe'ao Vakata Featured
Hon. 'Akilisi Pohiva (Photo:TNEWS)
16 September, 2016. The Tongan Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva says he is not worried about losing the support of his former Minister of Internal Affairs, who was sacked this week.
Mr Pohiva requested that the King revoke Fe'ao Vakata's cabinet appointment because of unacceptable conduct.
The Prime Minister said he had to discipline Mr Vakata after a complaint was laid against him for throwing a wine glass at a senior civil servant.
Mr Pohiva said the former minister will have no role to play in government and is now simply a representative of his Niuas constituency.
The Government has been under the shadow of a proposed vote of no-confidence for the past month but Mr Pohiva said he was not worried about losing support because of Vakata's dismissal.
"That is not my concern. My role as Prime Minister is to ensure that our conduct, as ministers, will not damage the image and the integrity of Cabinet and also the integrity of His Majesty's government."
"The issue of the vote of no confidence is a different issue. He still has his right to do what he feels or what is the most appropriate thing for him to do," he said.
'Akilisi Pohiva said he feels he still has the support of his Cabinet and the people of Tonga.
-RNZI
6 comments
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It seems to me that the PM doesn't care much about the result of the looming VONC. I admire him for trying to do his best and avoiding any rent seeking behaviour. However, if he is saying that due to being overconfidence then I speak together with Neil Armstrong and Harold Washington:
"Well, I think we tried very hard not to be overconfident, because, that's when something snaps up and bites you." Neil Armstrong.
"Let's not be overconfident, we still have to count the votes." Harold Washinton. -
Tokanga Palemia he oku tau kei tangata pe, na'a ke confident pea hala ho'o ma'u kae kaukovi ka koe mo ho famili ha'o puke. Pea kapau teke fo'i oua mu'a na'a ke uki ha toe tutu kataki.
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'Oku ke mo'oni Mokofisi. Ko e me'a 'oku ou tokanga au ki ai ko eni kuo vave 'aupito 'a e faitu'utu'uni he case 'a Vakataa ka na'e tuai e faitu'utu'uni he case 'a Lavulavu pea ne a'u pe ki he'ene kole ke tuku ange ke ne fai e tautea. 'Oku tau kei tatali ni ki he tautea ko ia. Hnage ko e alu 'a Mokofisi. Tuku ai pe pe ko e ha ola 'o e VONC ka 'oku mahu'inga ke 'ilo 'e he kakai e me'a totonu 'oku hoko.
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Courage is the decision to confront uncertainty in the face of adversity. I have not been a fan of this Government but I must applaud the Hon. Prime Minister for showing moral courage in the face of this looming no confidence vote. If the independents shift their allegiance because of this, I believe the PM's decision to make a moral stand to protect the integrity of his Government will probably be what will define his legacy.
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THE VOTES ARE IMMATERIAL...the VONC process is what is needed.
Proponents of the VONC need to make the case to the people. If they feel there are improprieties in Government, they need to stand up with courage and say it...and call them on the floor.
Let the people know who has the moral courage in Parliament to stand for the truth, ethical behavior in government, and let those who raise their hands to vote for further corruptions stand as well.
The truth shall not be a fair-weather variable that is called upon to fit someone's model. The truth shall stand on its own. -
Malo Palemia e vahevahe hoo ongoi. Fielau ka mafuli e kau siutasi pea ikai keke mau ha fakaosiosi lelei he toenga hoo moui