In 2009 Tongan
publisher Kalafi Moala warned that the country’s democratic politicians were turning into the
very people they had opposed.
“The oppressed had become the oppressor … doing the very things that the Government had been criticised for,”he said during the launch of his book In Search of the Friendly Islands.
Moala was speaking in the aftermath of the Nuku’alofa riots and was highly critical in particular of ‘Akilisi Pōhiva.
Moala has had
a stormy relationship with the Prime Minister and quit as the Prime Minister’s media
adviser.
However, his words should hang in the air behind Hon. Pōhiva’s head as his government considers its reaction to the latest Facebook controversy.
The Prime
Minister’s reaction to criticism in the media and what he sees as
conspiratorial processes in the Tongan Broadcasting Commission have already led
people to wonder whether this is the same man who promotes democracy.
Warning
Moala’s
experiences under King Tupou IV earlier this century should be a warning to the
government about what happens when a determined media is challenged.
In 2003 the
Tongan government banned Taimi ‘o Tonga
for criticising the government of Prince ‘Ulukalala Lavaka Ata.
The paper had denounced corruption and a decision by King Taufa’āhau Tupou IV to build a cigarette factory.
Supporters of the king circulated a petition in January 2002 calling for the paper to be banned. Moala, who was deported to New Zealand in 1995, was charged with libelling the king.
Ultimately, however,
the attempted ban failed and the government was heavily criticised at home,
abroad and in the courts.
Tonga’s
Supreme Court declared the ban on the bi-weekly paper illegal and a violation
of the national constitution.
Lord Chief
Justice Ward said the government’s repeated efforts to ban the paper were
thinly-veiled attempts to curb press freedom. The judge also suspended the
government’s cancellation of the paper’s publishing license.
Ineffective
Kaniva News understands the
government’s position on the Facebook posts perfectly well.
They have been
described as obscene and have deeply offended many Tongans.
However, as we
have pointed out, it would be easy to get around any ban on Facebook with the
right software and in any case, the perpetrators of the posts seem to live in
Australia and will not be affected.
A wholesale
ban on Facebook would be unlikely to succeed and would upset the majority of Tongans
who use the site for legitimate purposes.
By trying to impose
a ban the government will simply make itself look foolish or ineffective.
The best it is
likely to be able to do is to negotiate with Facebook to have the posts
removed.
Facebook is in
fact vulnerable at the moment, having been lambasted over its failure to stop
the live stressing of the Christchurch mosque massacre and its role in running
fake news and Russian backed propaganda during the US elections and the UK
Brexit vote.
The government
should take advantage of Facebook’s own vulnerability and use it to resolve the
situation in a way that targets the people responsible without risking the
government’s reputation or angering legitimate users.
Nor can it
risk, in Moala’s words, doing the very things for which Prince Ata’s government
was criticised.
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.
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.
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
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 Newsreports 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.
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
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.
(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.
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.
