Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku has upgraded his rewards of one of his convicted and ousted Cabinet Ministers who helped him won the premiership election.
In the latest twist, ousted Minister of Finance Tatafu Moeaki has been appointed as governor of the Tonga National Reserve Bank.
He was unseated by Parliament recently and lost his ministerial position after the Supreme Court convicted him of electoral bribery.
Ousted Deputy Prime Minister Poasi Tei has been appointed as chief executive of the government’s notorious Lulutau Airlines.
Tei’s election to parliament was declared void after the Supreme Court convicted him of electoral bribery. It is understood Tei’s appointment as chief executive was made effective shortly after his dismissal in August while Moeaki was re-employed as a Project Manager at the Ministry of Infrastructure.
In appointing Moeaki early last week on December 20, the reserve bank said the appointment was made following an open recruitment process and recommendation by the Hon Tiofilusi Tiueti, Minister of Finance in consultation with the Board of the Reserve Bank.
“Mr Moeaki’s experience will enable him to accept the important responsibilities associated with position as head of the Reserve Bank of Tonga”, a statement said.
READ MORE:
- COMMENTARY: Will government try to keep disgraced MPs in Parliament despite convictions for bribery? – Kaniva Tonga News
- Ousted Finance Minister and convict Tatafu Moeaki stays in gov’t as project manager – Kaniva Tonga News
- PM’s statement ignores problem caused by his decision not to stand down convicted MPs – Kaniva Tonga News
- Tongatapu 6 election win cancelled as bribery charges against former Deputy Prime Minister are proven – Kaniva Tonga News
His appointment comes after the former National Reserve Bank Governor Dr Sione Ngongo Kioa resigned in July.
As Kaniva News reported at the time, Kioa was told in April that members of the bank’s board of directors queried Moeaki’s appointment of Lord Sevele as Chair of the Bank. Moeaki was the Minister of Finance at the time.
Lord Sevele’s appointment drew strong criticisms from the public with critics arguing that his record while in government as Prime Minister and chairman of a number of boards and committees is open to question.
The noble has been accused of being involved in the illegal transfer of millions of dollars from a Chinese grant to Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Tongasat. The Supreme Court has declared the transfer as illegal.
