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Tongan PM blasts Pacific regionalism ‘myth’ and silence over West Papua

By
Kaniva Staff
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By Makereta Komai
FUNAFUTI, Tuvalu (Pacnews/Pacific Media Watch): Tonga’s Prime Minister, ‘Akilisi Pohiva, has delivered a stinging attack against regionalism and the Pacific Islands Forum’s stance of leaving no one behind, for failing to amicably resolve the issue of West Papua.
 
Pohiva admitted the issue has divided the 18 members of the Forum for many years since it has been on the agenda of the leaders’ meeting.
 
“Is regionalism a myth, is it real or based on reality, he questioned leaders during the dialogue with the regional civil society organisations (CSO) this week in Funafuti.
 
Pohiva called out Indonesia – claiming it has a powerful influence over some members of the group – naming Fiji, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
 
“How can they reconcile the concept of leaving no one behind when they are friends with Indonesia?

“We should not let others control us. We should stand together in solidarity in support of the people of West Papua,” said Pohiva.
 
There was pindrop silence when the Tongan Prime Minister delivered his intervention responding to the regional CSO’s call for a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua.
 
Human rights importance
“None of us can speak of an inclusive and peaceful Pacific and remain silent on the serious human rights issues for West Papuans. We call on Pacific Leaders to observe the importance of human rights in all parts of our region.  
 
“We urge that Forum Leaders call on Indonesia to immediately allow access of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UN special mandate holders to West Papua, said the CSO statement.
 
Civil society organisations also requested Indonesia to immediately restore the access of independent journalists in the region, so that the international community can have better access to the ongoing human rights situation in West Papua.

Responding to the concerns of civil society organisations, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said that while Fiji heard the CSO’s position “loud and clear” on West Papua, it would be guided by the leaders’ previous decision.
 
“Fiji fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, including Indonesia, and we will always uphold the principles of the UN charter,” said Bainimarama.
 
He said Fiji was concerned with alleged reports of human rights violation and would continue to advocate for the protection of the human rights of all West Papuans.`
 
“This is a matter of life or death to many West Papuans and we must tread boldly – but thoughtfully – as we move forward as a region.

‘War and chaos’
“Territorial disputes have fuelled war and chaos since the beginning of time and we must approach this situation with both caution and hope in finding a solution,” said Bainimarama.
 
The Tongan leader warned that Indonesia was powerful and could challenge anyone in the Forum membership.

“We will never get a solution because Indonesia is so powerful. Our only weapon is to stand together in unity and in solidarity and support the people of West Papua,” said Pohiva.
 
Samoa’s Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said that despite Forum leaders taking a position over the years, the violations and challenges for the people of West Papua had not reduced.

“It keeps on increasing. We can’t continue to ignore the violations of human rights against the people of West Papua. Its time that we review our position.”
 
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister reserved his government’s position on the issue.
 
United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) spokesperson Jacob Rumbiak greeted with emotion the strong support from some Pacific leaders – particularly Tonga and Vanuatu.
 
Papuan tribute to Tonga
“We are happy that it has taken the 50th session of the Pacific Forum Leaders meeting to see some positive movement in the leaders of the Pacific. I am deeply appreciative of the great efforts of the CSOs for pushing this issue through their position to the leaders,” Rumbiak said.
 
He paid tribute to Tongan Prime Minister Pohiva for his powerful intervention.
 
“The response from Prime Minister Pohiva was the strongest so far and very powerful, especially when he urged them to unite and stand up to Indonesia.
 
“This issue has been on the regional agenda for 10-15 years and it’s not a domestic issue any more. It’s now a regional issue and leaders should now act on it’,” said Rumbiak.

Makereta Komai is editor of the Fiji-based Pacnews regional news service. This story is published under Kaniva’s content shared agreement with Pacnews.

Police identify missing German woman as search continues

By
Kalino Latu
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The 40-year-old German woman reported missing after she failed to return from her diving group trip in ‘Eua on Sunday, has been identified by Police.

Her name was Marina Trost from Munich, Germany.

Earlier, police said they were coordinating the search with assistance from local boats, divers and New Zealand and Australian authorities in the area but Trost has not been seen since.

She was part of a whale-watching group that visited a cave on the northern tip of the island.

The location is known to divers as the Cathedral.

Government must strike balance between protecting freedom of expression and reacting to online slur on royal family

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
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The government must not shut down Facebook.

It is understandable that the government has been outraged  by the comments posted online about members of the royal family.

However, shutting down Facebook in Tonga will not solve the problem.

People with the right software will be able to circumvent the ban and there are dozens of other online forums where people can post anything they like.

No matter what ban the government might impose, Tongans living overseas who are suspected of posting the comments on the royals, could continue to post obscene allegations on Facebook.

According to a report published by Radio FM 87.5 on its Facebook page today, a report from the Attorney General on the issue will be submitted to parliament tomorrow.

The Cabinet is expected to make its final decision based on the report.

The government will make a mistake if it tries to ban Facebook.

The Tonga Chamber of Commerce has objected to the closure.

Ordinary Tongans have also opposed the proposal.

While some supported the move, many said Facebook should not be closed down just because of an act of pure evil by a few unidentified groups or individuals.

They said the best solution was for the government  to investigate and bring those responsible to justice.

They said Tonga must accept the reality of digital world and information age.

Some suggested the king and royal family must learn to face these kind of comments because it was an expression of freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech is guaranteed  under the Tongan constitution,

They said the government must treat the king and the royals  equally with other  people when it comes to social media because that is how social media was meant to be.

Everyone was free to post what they think of their leaders.

Striking a balance

Striking a balance  between freedom of expression and being offensive is not easy, especially when a country ‘s democratic political structures are new.

However, that is what the Tongan government must do.

Earlier this year New Zealand’s Minister of Justice, Andrew Little,  wrote about freedom of speech in New Zealand. His comments raise issues that are pertinent to the situation in Tonga.

“Protecting freedom of speech is vital to hold those in authority to account, challenge the socially and culturally dominant, and enable society to progress.

“Freedom of speech can give force to new ideas, but also cause discomfort and offence.

“When speech threatens others, or is abusively discriminatory, then it has the potential to cause harm and encroach on the freedom of others.

“Drawing the line is not simple. Protecting freedom of speech that challenges authority and orthodoxy will inevitably still cause offence to some.”

The decision the Tongan government faces is not an easy one. To simply shut down Facebook would not stop offensive comments being made.

It could also damage the kingdom’s economy and severely inconvenience those ordinary Tongans who use the online forum sensibly.

More importantly, it would, however hard it is to accept, strike a blow against freedom of speech, something that should not come from a democratic government.

For more information

Gov’t may shut down Facebook following ‘disrespectful, obscene’ allegations against king; PM seriously concerned

Gov’t may shut down Facebook following ‘disrespectful, obscene’ allegations against king; PM seriously concerned

Photo of PM Pōhiva and PM Bainimarama in Tuvalu triggers joke about Fijian rebellious colonel Ratu Mara

By
Kalino Latu
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A photo of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has triggered online jokes about the pair discussing the whereabout of Lieutenant-Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.

Mara took refuge in Tonga after he was accused of trying to overthrow the Bainimarama government eight years ago.

The photo also featured the PNG Prime Minister James Marape.

It is believed it was taken this week in Tuvalu during the Pacific Islands Forum 2019 and was posted to Facebook.  

The joke has attracted other comments with one saying that Mara not only felt at home in Tonga, but had also come into control of “our lands.”

Lt Colonel Mara, who was  commander of the Third Fiji Infantry Regiment, was accused in 2011 of plotting the overthrow of the Bainimarama government. He was effectively the second most powerful man in Fiji after Bainimarama.

Mara and his colleague Brigadier General Pita Diriti were arrested and accused of mutiny and sedition against  Bainimarama.

Diriti was sentenced in 2013 to five years’ imprisonment.

While on bail, Mara’s family allegedly contacted their royal cousins in Tonga.

In May 2011 the  Tongan Naval boat Savea, secretly picked up Mara   south of Ono-i-Lau and took him to Nuku’alofa.

The rescue plunged the two neighbouring countries into crisis.

At the time, Bainimarama urged the kingdom to return Mara to Fiji.

He accused Tongan authorities of conspiring to snatch Mara away from his country. 

The then Communication Advisor for the Prime Minister, ‘Ahongalu Fusimalohi, said Mara had been granted a Tongan passport.

He is now under the protection of the king of Tonga.

Ratu Mara in Tonga

In 2013 the Fiji Sun reported that Mara had become private secretary to King Tupou VI.

It also said Princess Pilolevu had given him the island of Makaha’a which he was developing for eco-tourism.

Mara later denied the report.

Veteran Pacific affairs reporter Micheal Field said Mara was told to keep a low profile politically.

According to various sources Mara has been employed by the king as his royal real estate agent.

A letter purporting to show a message to a tenant at the king’s estate of Pea, seen by Kaniva news this week, appeared to have been signed by Mara. Kaniva news could not confirm the authenticity of the letter.

It was written in Tongan on 26 April 2018 and was sent on what appeared to be the palace’s official  letterhead.

PM Pōhiva at Pacific leaders’ meeting in Tuvalu

Leaders of Forum member states are meeting in Tuvalu this week, with Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva leading the Tongan delegation.

Radio New Zealand has reported that Indonesia has complained to the Forum secretariat over West Papuan leader Benny Wenda’s participation at the summit.

As the chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua, Benny Wenda has been an active lobbyist for greater regional representation for his people.

Vanuatu, the key regional supporter of Papuan aims for independence from Indonesia, has included Mr Wenda and other Liberation Movement representatives in its forum delegation.

Detik News reports a spokesman for Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry saying it has lodged a protest with the Forum secretariat.

He said that by allowing Mr Wenda, with his separatist aims, to participate in the summit, the Forum was not showing neutrality on the Papua issue.

Eager to grow connections in the Pacific, Jakarta says it has no desire to talk with unfriendly countries, but rather those that seek economic development co-operation.

Last month West Papuan human rights activist Rosa Moiwend has asked Tonga to continue its support for her people’s struggle for independence.

In 2015 Hon. Pōhiva called on the United Nations to help West Papua, whose people have suffered under a brutal Indonesian occupation for nearly 60 years.

The main points

  • A photo of Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva and Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has caused a joke with a Tongan poster saying they discussed the whereabout of Bainimarama’s failed mutiny accused Lieutenant-Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
  • Mara was accused in 2011 of plotting the overthrow of the Bainimarama government before he fled to Tonga on a Tongan navy vessel.

For more information

Coup accused given island

Tonga urged to continue its support for West Papua’s struggle for independence at the UN

Noble who was taken to court by bank over massive debt has been appointed ambassador to Gulf state

By
Kalino Latu and Philip Cass
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A Tongan Noble who was taken to court last year over a million pa’anga debt has been appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Hon. ‘Akau’ola presented his letter of credentials to UAE Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh in Abu Dhabi.

In June last year Lord ‘Akau’ola was taken to court by the Bank of South Pacific Tonga Ltd over TP$1 million of unpaid debt.

The bank, formerly known as Westpac,  originally obtained a judgement against Lord ‘Akau’ola on February 2, 2010.

Under the judgement, the bank agreed not to take action if Lord ‘Akau’ola made monthly payments at an agreed rate.

Lord ‘Akau’ola made payments until May 2016, but then fell into default.

As Kaniva News reported at the time, Lord Chief Justice Paulsen said he owed TP$833,287 of the principal debt, along with substantial interest.

The judge gave the bank permission to take action to collect the money. 

Amendment

In 2017 the then Justice Minister, Vuna Fā’otusia, said the government wanted to amend the constitution so the Prime Minister could propose to the king candidates they thought appropriate to become Tongan ambassadors to foreign countries.

Hon. Fā’otusia said this would not remove the king’s power to select the kingdom’s  ambassadors.

It was to allow the Prime Minister and the cabinet to become involved in the selection process because it was important to choose the best Tongans for those roles.

Emirates

The Emirates, is one of the richest of the Arabian Gulf states and has begun to establish a presence in the Pacific through the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund.

The fund has released US$50 million for renewable energy generation projects in 10 Pacific island countries since 2013.

The La’a Lahi ‘Big Sun’ solar plant in Tonga, commissioned in November 2013, was the first project to receive funding from the UAE.

Since last year UAE passport holders have been exempt from needed a visitor’s visa.

The main points

  • A Tongan Noble who was taken to court last year over a million pa’anga debt has been appointed ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
  • Hon. ‘Akau’ola presented his letter of credentials to UAE Minister of State Zaki Nusseibeh in Abu Dhabi.

For more information

Court gives bank permission to take action over massive debt owed by Lord ‘Akau’ola

Court gives bank permission to take action over massive debt owed by Lord ‘Akau’ola

UAE Plans Renewable Energy Projects In Five Pacific Nations

UAE Plans Renewable Energy Projects In Five Pacific Nations

King’s judicial committee causes instability in the country, Justice Minister says

King’s judicial committee causes instability in the country, Justice Minister says

NZ and Australian rescue teams join search for missing German woman in Tonga

By
Kalino Latu
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A search continues for a missing German woman in ‘Eua island since Sunday afternoon.

The 40-year-old tourist was part of a Whale Watching Group that visited the ‘Eua Cave on the North Tip which is known to divers as the Cathedral.

Police were informed of the incident and Police Search and Rescue began, A/Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau said.

Police are coordinating the search with the help and support from local boats and divers, RCC New Zealand, and HMAF as well as the Australian Navy Boat the HMAS AMIDALE.

No further details of the woman were released.

Sydney-based Tongan ‘love triangle’ murder accused denied bail

By
Kaniva Staff
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(AAP) A man who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend’s lover in the head with a screwdriver, over an apparent love triangle, has been refused bail in a Sydney court.

Sosiua Tonga, 34, allegedly assaulted another 34-year-old man early on Sunday morning at an Eastern Creek house, resulting in a serious head injury.

The injured man was taken to Westmead Hospital but died shortly after.

Tonga, who was arrested at the scene, was refused bail on murder charges.

On Monday, Tonga made no application for bail and it was formally refused during brief mention in Mount Druitt Local Court.

Tonga allegedly attacked the victim after he caught him at his girlfriend’s home.

According to police, the two men did not know each other, but both knew the woman – named as Astrid Muller – in an apparent love triangle.

It’s also believed Tonga is married, with a wife in Melbourne.

Report of praise for Police Commissioner fuels speculation contract could be extended

By
Kaniva Staff
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Speculation is growing that Police Commissioner Steven Caldwell’s contract may be extended.

His current contract expires in April 2021.

Sources inside the New Zealand Government have told Kaniva News that Commissioner Caldwell’s contract could be extended by as much as another two years.

Caldwell was at the centre of a controversy in the kingdom last year when the Police  Minister and Cabinet said they did not want to renew his contract because of complaints about his handling of disciplinary cases against local officers.

At the time, Police Minister Māteni Tapueluelu said the government believed Caldwell was no longer fit for the job.

A spokesperson for Mr. Caldwell told Kaniva News earlier this year the Commissioner was restricted by his contract in what he could say to the public.

However, his contract was renewed for two years by the Privy Council and approved by King Tupou VI in April.

Caldwell is a New Zealander and his salary is mostly paid for by the  New Zealand government.

He was appointed Tonga’s Police commissioner in 2015 on a three-year contract.

Improved

It appears the relationship between the Police Minister and Commissioner Caldwell has improved.

Our source said Hon Tapueluelu and Commissioner Caldwell were in New Zealand last month.

Hon. Tapueluelu is said to have complimented the Commissioner on his work.

It appears the Minister was referring to the Commissioner’s part in Tonga’s fighting against illicit drug dealings.

Under Commissioner Caldwell, police have launched a major campaign against drugs in the kingdom, with multiple arrests over Christmas and the new year.

Police have arrested 263 people and 28 police officers have been suspended.

New Zealand has contributed NZ$9 million to the costs of the anti-drugs campaign.

More than 30kgs of methamphetamine with a street value of NZ$26 million has been seized.

For more information

Minister of Police threatens to stop Commissioner Caldwell’s pay today
Cabinet seeks legal advice after king extends Police Commissioner’s contract

Tonga steps up war on meth trade with multiple arrests, over 30kg of drug seized

Gov’t may shut down Facebook following ‘disrespectful, obscene’ allegations against king; PM seriously concerned

By
Kalino Latu
-

Vicious allegations of a sexual nature against the king and his daughter Princess Angelika have triggered a move by government to shut down Facebook in Tonga.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva said he was seriously concerned at the allegations and the possibility of a Tongan or Tongans publicly making such a serious accusation against the royal family.

He said the government had been long concerned about people abusing Facebook using royal family members.

Hon. Pōhiva said it could take about two weeks before the government reached a final decision about the temporary closure.

Hon. Pōhiva told Television Tonga he believed if nothing was done there could be an unrest in the country.

He said the decision has not been confirmed as the government had to  consider other people who used Facebook wisely.

He said the government was working closely with Tonga Cable on its plan.

Hon. Pōhiva denied claims the move by government to close down Facebook was made because of criticism of his government. He said since he became involved in politics criticism has become part of his life.

He said he believed his critics had no other way to try to bring down his government and now they had made serious allegations against the king to agitate him against his government.

Police Minister Māteni Tapueluelu said in a separate interview with Television Tonga this week that the Ministry of Police, the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Information (MEIDECC) were working together to resolve the problem.

Facebook had been formally contacted about the allegations.

The Minister had to act on the allegations because they compromised national security.

He said the problem with contacting Facebook it took too long for the government to  receive a response.

Hon. Tapueluelu described the allegations against the royals as disrespectful and vicious.

The Facebook group

The allegations were posted on what appears to be a fake Facebook group account by the name Mo’oni mo Totonu or Truth and Right.

The post has sparked a public outcry this week with many calling on authorities to investigate and bring those responsible to justice as it has breached the cultural taboo of respect for royals.

The closed Facebook group, which has more than a thousand members, appears to be a political page supporting democrat supporters. The list of administrators of the group included what appeared to be fake names, including Temokalati Ma’a Tonga or Democracy for Tonga and Liukava He Taimi ni or Stage a Coup-d’etat now.

Democrats supporters have accused royal supporters of creating the Facebook group to infuriate the king against the liberal supporters and the Pōhiva government.

At one stage the group published information alleging the page was owned by the Prime Minister’s daughter and wife of the Minister of Police, Lautala Tapueluelu. Lautala went public on Facebook this week and denied the claims vehemently.

However, the allegations have also brought the royal and democrat supporters together this week with many saying no matter how different their political beliefs were there was no place for such allegations against the Hau E Fonua or the Victor of the Nation.

Some people have claimed that analysis of the Facebook account showed it originated in Australia.

Complaints

Facebook and its owner Mark Zuckerberg have been widely criticised in several countries for the way the company operates and for failing to stop inflammatory material being posted.

There have also been complaints that Facebook shows contempt for government concerns.

A British House of Commons report on online abuse said: “Companies like Facebook should not be allowed to behave like ‘digital gangsters’ in the online world, considering themselves to be ahead of and beyond the law.”

The main points

  • Vicious allegations of a sexual nature against the king and his daughter Princess Angelika have triggered a move by government to shut down Facebook in Tonga.
  • Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva said he was seriously concerned at the allegation and the possibility for a Tongan or Tongans to publicly make such a serious accusation against the royal family.

For more information

The law is closing in on Facebook and the ‘digital gangsters’

Tonga bounce back to end PNC with win

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Tonga have ended their Pacific Nations Cup rugby campaign on a winning note, defeating Canada 33-23 in Fiji yesterday.

Both sides had lost their previous two PNC matches, but it was the Tongans who held on for victory at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

Tonga were blown off the park last week 41-7 by a speedy and physical Japan team, and in the opening stages of Friday’s match it seemed they had taken a leaf out of the Brave Blossom’s book, racing away to a 19-8 half-time lead through tries to outside backs David Halaifonua and Viliami Lolohea and new centre Malietoa Hingano.

Replacement prop Latu Talakai extended the Tongans lead early in the second half and they threatened to run away with the match.

Up to this point in the match, Tonga had played with aggression making inroads in the Canadian defence through their hard and straight running, typified by some outstanding bursts by replacement loosie Sione Vailanu.

However the Tongans faded in the last quarter of the match, something that will continue to concern coach Toutai Kefu, allowing Canada to score three tries in that period.

But the ‘Ikale Tahi held on to win the match points and as coach Kefu said, it gave them a lot to work on heading into pre-world cup tests against Fiji and New Zealand.

“We just need to keep chipping away at stuff, as you can see from that game, there is a lot of things we did wrong there tactically so we can definitely get a lot better,” he said.

Kefu cited discipline as a key thing to work on over the next few weeks.

‘Ikale Tahi captain Siale Piutau said his team had worked hard over the past month so the win was well deserved but there were still some lessons to take out of the match.

“We are just trying to get fitter, get stronger, obviously to try and compete with those tier one nations.”


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