NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga—Deputy Prime Minister Taniela Fusimalohi has revealed that none of the board directors whose contract renewals were rejected by the Eke government pursued legal action, despite earlier claims of illegality.
Fusimālohi also clarified that reports claiming the government had illegally terminated the contracts of former directors were misleading.
He explained that the directors, appointed by the previous government, had remained in their board roles until March this year—the official end of their contracts.
The Eke government rejected the pre-renewal of those contracts, which the Caretaker government approved around December 2024.
Fusimālohi defended the government’s decision, stating that the Caretaker government lacked the authority to renew contracts as it held limited powers pending the incoming government’s transition.
Agreement with former directors
Fusimālohi revealed that the Minister for Public Enterprises had a “productive discussion” with the former directors.
Fusimālohi said the Minister met with them and explained the government’s new policy and guidelines for all government boards.
According to Fusimālohi, the Minister informed the former directors of their contract end dates, explained the new restructuring process, noted that a new recruitment would occur, and stated they could reapply.
Fusimālohi said in Tongan: “Pea’ ne ‘osi fai e talanoa lelei ia ‘a e Minisitaá mo kinautolu. Ko e kaha‘u ē te tau fokotu‘utu‘u lelei. Ko ho‘omou me‘á ē ‘oku ha‘u ‘o ngata hē. ‘E toe fai e likulutimeni fo‘ou. Mou kei ‘enitaitolo pe ki ai.”
The revelation and clarifications come amid escalating tensions between the government and local media, particularly after Fusimalohi called for the removal (“to‘o”) of FM 87.5’s radio show in which host Siaosi Lavaka featured Tongan-based Auckland lawyer Nalesoni Tupou, who allegedly claimed that the contract terminations were unlawful.
Directors’ Exit Sparks Legal Debate
However, critics, including broadcaster Katalina Tohi, who owns FM 87.5, have accused the Eke administration of disregarding natural justice.
Tohi warned that the former directors had legal rights and referenced past cases where similar government actions led to costly court rulings.
Responding to Tohi, Fusimālohi emphasised that journalists (kau faiongoongo) must verify their facts before presenting commentary or analysis.
He explained that this is why the government holds one-hour press conferences every Friday—to ensure the media receives accurate information.
He said he had already advised journalists to read Parliamentary Hansard and government statements before reporting.
