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LoginAshika inquiry chairman censures PM Sevele over ‘inappropriate’ remark
Princess Ashika disaster's death toll of 74 passengers and crew made it the nation's worst shipping tragedy. Photo: TNews.
Pacific Scoop:
By Pesi Fonua in Nuku’alofa
Tonga’s Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele, has been censured for making an “inappropriate” personal remark to counsel assisting, in a closing statement he gave to the Princess Ashika disaster inquiry following an intense session of questioning that continued until midnight on Tuesday.
When the session reopened, Justice Warwick, the chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika, said the Prime Minister had made a personal attack on counsel assisting, Manuel Varitimos.
“Last evening the Prime Minister gave evidence. The Prime Minister via his counsel asked whether he could make a statement at the conclusion of his evidence. The Prime Minister was allowed to do so in good faith.
“The Prime Minister took the opportunity given to him to make a personal attack on counsel assisting. The attack was inappropriate,” Justice Warwick Andrew said, adding: “Questions will continue to be asked which some may not like. That is the nature of an inquiry of this sort.”
Tongan Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele at the inquiry. Photo: Matangi Tonga
After midnight
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister appeared before the commission for the second time, in an evening session starting at 7 pm.
Apart from two short breaks, the inquiry did not adjourn until 12:22 am, but before Justice Warwick declared the inquiry closed for the night, the Prime Minister was given the opportunity to make a statement.
Dr Sevele said: “The Ashika tragedy represents one of the saddest losses to have befallen our beloved kingdom . . . One over which every Tongan with no exception has mourned or continues to mourn.”
On behalf of himself and the government, he extended his sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and said: “We are truly sorry and I, as Prime Minister, apologise most sincerely for the failings which have happened at various levels of government and of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia. . . . The tragedy should never have happened.”
Dismay revealed
But then, in a conclusion, the Prime Minister went on to address a suggestion that he had been dictatorial in the time schedule to attend the inquiry, but he pointed out that his attendance to sit into the middle of the night was evidence of the government’s commitment to an open, fair and impartial inquiry.
He revealed his dismay at the questioning by the commission, in regard to Cabinet proceedings.
“It has been suggested here, much to my dismay, Mr Chairman, as Prime Minister, that perhaps Cabinet should think of recording its discussions, recording those who dissent in the interests of transparency.
“Mr Chairman, Tonga is not alone in having the procedure whereby discussions in Cabinet are not recorded,” he said.
Dr Sevele, who was upset over the commission’s questioning of the king’s power to appoint Tonga’s law lords, said: “A suggestion that the Law Lords are a law unto themselves, Mr Chairman – this is a direct attack on His Majesty’s constitutional authority, an attack which I find constitutes condescending arrogance and downright disrespect.”
But it appeared to be a final remark in the Prime Minister’s statement that irked the chairman, when Dr Sevele said: “Finally, counsel assisting the Commission, you may be an excellent counsel in Australia, but when you are in the Kingdom of Tonga, please try to understand our constitution and show some respect for our monarch, for our government, our people and our culture. Thank you very much.”
Source: Matangi Tonga
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Mr. Sevele,
By saying sorry,in this case, is not enough.It is somewhat like spitting into very very rough sea.I guess that this is the first time for us to listen to those words coming out of your dirty mouth since the lost of our loved ones in the Ashika tregedy, 6 months ago.Your apology was so plain and as so unworthy as the ‘Ashika,unacceptable!!!!!!!!!!!
The evidence submitted to the commission shows us that you and your micky mouse government must step down as soon as possible.We feel that we no longer want you to be our leaders.
Seruosly Sevele, what has Tongan culture and monarchy have to do with this? You mean that by Tongan culture we can’t probe for the truth and bring justice to our loved ones? You mean in Tongan culture we can’t question the decisions of our leaders? What a sad comment to make.
In my humble view, we should all be thankful that cool head and correct choices prevail with the Honorable Dr. Sevele’s Govt. Allowing the Royal Commision to work Independently is a winner for all Tongan People around the world, Dr. Sevele’s govt. could have blocked the RC, but did not. Tonga should looked forward to the new election in Nov/2010, and bring forward the changes that is urgently needed and to forget the status quo and past failure of former govt., that does not listen to the majority of all Tongans and only catered to the upper class and the House of the King. Congratulation to the Chief Judge Warwick Andrew and the special prosecutor Manuel Varitimo for work well done.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry when I hear about the ineptness of the Sevele government.
Paea Wolfgramm wrote the best piece about the Ashika tragedy on the mag. Spasifik.co.nz. He wrote about that in the rush to seem politically sophisticated and worldly our leaders have risked the lives of the people. They neglect their basic duty.
I think of Lord Dalgety and it all falls into place. An uncaring government led by a tinpot wannabe in Sevele.
This man has no pride for the people!!! He’s only after the money and he should be kicked out of the pm straight to hell..