Nuku‘alofa — A Supreme Court judge sought clarification from a medical doctor after raising concerns about the wording of a medical certificate submitted to excuse the defendant from returning to court to continue cross‑examination following a morning session.
The development follows the cross‑examination of Minister of Tourism Sēmisi Sika in court on electoral bribery charges, laid by his political rival, former MP and cabinet minister Pingi Fasi, in relation to last year’s general election.
As recently reported by Tāpinga Lavemaau of FM 88.1 Letiō ‘a e Kakai, Sika requested an adjournment during the morning session, citing fatigue after responding to numerous questions. The judge granted the request.
However, when the court reconvened to continue proceedings, a medical certificate was submitted, stating that Sika had returned home after feeling unwell.
According to Lavemaau, the judge expressed concern about the wording of the medical certificate, noting that Sika’s illness was not specified.
The report said the judge adjourned the session and indicated he would contact the doctor to seek clarification on the medical certificate.
He reportedly attempted to contact the issuing doctor directly but received no response, leaving a message requesting follow-up, according to the radio report.
A staff member for Sika told the court that the minister had recorded high blood pressure, which was cited as the reason he was unable to continue in person, but the judge noted that this information was not stated in the medical certificate.
Despite the judge’s reservations, the court permitted proceedings to continue, allowing Sika to participate remotely via Zoom from his home, according to Lavemaau.
As Kaniva News previously reported, the court hearing follows an investigation by the Electoral Commission into allegations of campaign overspending and concerns over whether all expenses were properly declared, after a formal complaint was lodged against Sika.
The dispute centres, among other matters, on a $10,000 sponsorship for the Suliana Dance Academy, announced during a recital on 8 November 2025, just weeks before the general election.
Sika has previously denied any wrongdoing in comments to Kaniva News.
