Another LTE that was not published. 

Malo 'Aupito

 

MTTuaileva

HNL, HI. USA

 

 

Editor: vapress@matangitonga.to

 

After having read two of your articles, First one, October 3rd, title, "Tongan's United in Desire for Political Reform NCPR Finding,  " Second article, October 5th title,   "Fully Elected Parliament for the People, by the People, Tonga NCPR Propose". There were an euphoria of happiness in celebrations with Tongan Globally, mainly NZ, AUST, US and UK, on the most positive and historical finding, from  the former MP Honorable Tu'ipelehake's, Chairman NCPR committee.

 

 Distinguish Scholar and Director of Pacific Studies from the University of Hawaii, East West Center, Dr Sitiveni Halapua. and his fellow committee members should all be commented and get a medal of honors for a Job well done in behalf of all Tongan Globally, the people and majority of Tongan Globally have spoken loud and clear as stated on result of the NCPR committee finding, that they are united in their desire for a political reform with a fully elected Parliament for the people by the people.

 

After reading the Tongan Govt. and Honorable Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele proposals dated 19th/Oct/2006, on the Taimi O Tonga online news,  I find it very interesting and disappointing. In my view, the impression of the proposal from the PM, this proposal clearly painted a picture of a leader who is trying to keep the status quo, from a sinking ship. It also reminded me of a  disgruntle President of a Fortune 500 Corporation that knows his days are numbered by conspiring with other board members, to ensure a maneuvering tactic in conspiring with key  members of  board of director in securing Jobs of fellow board member from being ousted. 

 

With all due respect Honorable PM, you have done a great Job for the country so far as PM, and would be a proven candidate for PM of the new Govt. proposed. But you cannot fool the people, in putting  a caveat in your new proposals, where the King can chooses 1/3 of cabinet from out side the Parliament with total numbers to reach 28, ( 9 from nobles, 5 from out side choose by the King = 14.  Then you say that the people to have 14, = 28 ), this is unacceptable to the people,  the people do not really have a voice by this equation,  I'm sorry Mr PM, they call this kind of proposal, a "Poison Pill", in the real world.

 

With all due respect Mr PM, Your disitation of the three pillar of Tongan Society is the root of our beginning is so hocus bocus, since the people had never had any voices in Govt, all through the reign of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV. I really do not want to go there Mr PM.  Like most Tongan wishes on the NCRP commission report of wanting to keep the Monarchy, I too wanted to honors and respect his Majesty and the House of the King, but the people are united in their desire for a transparent political reform, please do the right thing in discussion and consultation with all proposals from the PR MP and peoples side.

 

Protecting the status quo, is so obvious in the impression of how this Govt. and the Honorable PM's  proposal appears to the World.  I want to close my LTE with a quote from the former President of the United States, William Clinton on his speech on Global World Hunger Day last week, Quote: "There are two main ingredient in third world country that created inequality, "Money and Power", Until leaders share Power and Money with it's people, there will always be poverty and inequality in third world country. Unquote. Melino and fe'ofa'aki should always be remembered as the fiber that connects us Tongan separately from the world. If this Govt. wanted to keep the Melino and Fe'ofa'aki, then they should respect the proposal of Dr Sitiveni Halapua, and keep an open dialogue and consultation with the PR, MP.

 

Respectfully and 'Aloha

 

MT Tuaileva

PART 2 OF 2

Tuaileva,

 

Thank you for such an innovative  and eye opening letter.  I totally agree with your “protecting the status quo” article.  The governments system is so bogus. We all know the reasons behind it offcourse. Keep up the good work and keep sending more letters.  

 

Malo

Sina-Ita-Kakala Mounu ki Holeva.