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Government Disowns Lopeti Senituli’s Report?
Lopeti Senituli has toned down his extensive report entitled "The Attempted Coup of 16 November 2006”. In a letter to the editor of Matangi Tonga website, he gave thanks for the coverage of his article but then went on to say that it was his own personal opinion and not that of the Tongan government. Lopeti said, “Please note that the article was a personal one, and therefore the opinions and conclusions expressed in it are my own and not that of the Government of Tonga”. Many have questioned the professionalism of the Tongan Prime Minister’s Advisor and Press Secretary. In an interview with Planet Tonga website, Senituli explained his role and responsibility, “I am the Press Secretary/Political Adviser to the Hon Prime Minister. My main responsibilities are: to prepare briefings for the Hon Prime Minister on national political issues and reform, and on regional and international issues: to assist the Hon Prime Minister in preparing speeches, statements, articles for publication, submissions to Cabinet and Privy Council: to liaise between the Hon Prime Minister and the People’s and Noble’s Representatives and civil society organizations, community leaders and Church leaders; and to liaise with the media.” Media outlets around the world accepted the article as a “Press Release” and as the “Tongan Governments viewpoint”. Matangi Tonga website’s headline summed the headlines up, “Tonga government blames PCPR for deaths and destruction in Nuku'alofa” Serious allegations are now forming of misuse of power, total un-professionalism, and “Straight out lying to cover their mistakes”. At the time of writing this article, the official website of the Prime Minister and Government of Tonga still posted the article on it’s front page. Comments from Tongans around the globe leave big questions unanswered, “How can you release something as a press release with the implication it’s on behalf of the government, post it on an official website with your official title, then when someone challenges your facts you say they were “My opinion” then withdraw government support of it.” “ Is this what happened to Gus Mclean’s abuse report, except the facts were true?” Tnews is currently seeking Lopeti Senituli’s response. View Lopeti Senituli’s letter to the editor here: http://www.matangitonga.to/article/letterelsenituli020107.shtml View Tongan Government website here: http://www.pmo.gov.to/ http://www.matangitonga.to/article/letterelsenituli020107.shtml http://www.pmo.gov.to/ shapeimage_23_link_0shapeimage_23_link_1
Thursday, 4 January 2007
Story: Setita Millar