No worries over Tongan PM death threats

Transcript

The Tongan Prime Minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, appears to be unconcerned about death threats that were revealed in parliament.

During a debate between Noble Representative Lord Tu'ilakepa and Mr Pohiva it was revealed that calls had been received of somebody threatening to shoot him.  

Mr Pohiva told parliament the threats could be from a supporter of a candidate who ran for Parliament, but failed.

The Police Minister Pohiva Tu'ionetoa told Koro Vaka'uat that he immediately asked the Prime Minister if any action needed to be taken.

Local media have reported that 'Akilisi Pohiva told parliament in 2011 his family had had to flee their house after being told someone was coming to shoot them.   

POHIVA TU'IONETOA:  I did talk to him about and see what he felt about the apparent threat that he raised in parliament but he said he did not want any security or any for him 24 hours a day.  It's good to want some security.  One Prime Minister, a former Prime Minister here, he travelled around with his security but he doesn't want that for him.  He's also asked me not to make any special investigation on the matter or even give him secured police to look after him 24 hours a day.  No.  He said he is free for anybody to come and talk to him.  Whenever they want to talk to him, he is free.  24 hours a day, for people to come to him.  He said he did not want to make any fuss about this.

KORO VAKA'UTA:  Just wants to retain access to the people, is that the point?

PT:  Oh yes, very much so.  Even if you want to discuss or not like what he has been doing, they are free to come to visit him.  Also with the threat, it would make him like a slave to it if someone was to look after him all the time.

KV:  So he is not concerned about the validity of it?

PT:  No, he is not concerned at all.