Transcript
AKILISI POHIVA: The most important thing to me at least there is a response from the Speaker. See what actually happened, when I received the royal command from His Majesty, no reason was given. The message was given to the public but there was no reason. So because of the absence of [a] reason, what actually happened [was] the public was put in a grey area of doubt, of uncertainty and confusion. That's what happened, so everyone was worried. Now everyone, I think we are back to normal. There may be other issues that people, the public, would like to raise, there may be other related issues that came out from the proposal to His Majesty. It is a matter for the public to continue the discussion and the deliberations on that issue.
KORO VAKA'UTA: So you are satisfied with that response from the Speaker Lord Tu'ivakano?
AP: I already drafted my response, my reply. The good thing is that I have received the proposal, the proposal being given to His Majesty by the Speaker. That's it. Because people were worried about the absence of a response. I got it, I already got it. What I did I drafted my reply and my reply will go out to the public. [Via public radio/TV in Tonga].
KV: It was a big move, it surprised everyone around the region, it was the first time in history but I see yourself and members of your Cabinet seem very composed and still confident that you are doing a good job.
AP: Yes, yes. I have been to parliament for 31 years. Even before that time I used to face challenges from my opposition in the last 40 years so it is not quite new to me. What actually happened was part of the process?
KV: You mention 31 years and you are known around the world as an advocate for democracy throughout many decades, is it hard for you to see what is happening now with this dissolution?
AP: I expect it. We are still in the transitional stage from the old social, economic and political order to a new social political order so that transition is not smooth. It happens everywhere and I expect it. It is a part of the process.
KV: So you are not trying to undermine the monarchy in any way?
AP: No not at all. I still respect His Majesty and the royal family. What I want to see happen is for the Privy Council to protect the integrity of His Majesty. That is my job. Government is there to keep the monarchy, to protect the interests of the monarchy because the monarchy is a symbol of unity, of peace in this country. Our role is to protect His Majesty. People who are close to him, they have to do his job properly. They have to advise His Majesty. They do not have to use His Majesty for their own vested interests, that's what happened in the past. It is very, very detrimental, not only to His Majesty but to the public.
KV: Are you disappointed that the Speaker couldn't have just put these issues through parliament rather than approach [the king]?
AP: Yes. That's the normal way. I was disappointed when I first received the message from His Majesty. I thought the Speaker should have raised the matter in parliament or even talked to me before he approached His Majesty. The due process was not followed.
KV: Speaking of due process, the PACER plus, CEDAW, you've mentioned, you feel that they all followed the right process?
AP: Yes. The right way. His Majesty is always there to ratify. We are still in the process of discussing. Give and take our opinion on that issue. That might go on for a period of time and eventually when we feel that the process is complete, then we inform His Majesty. It is the responsibility of His Majesty to ratify.
KV: I spoke to Lopeti Senituli and he suggested for yourself to take this dissolution to court, is that in your plans?
AP: No, no, no. I don't think that it is appropriate at this point in time. I think I am happy with what has happened. That doesn't mean I fully accept it [but] this is an issue for another time, not now.
KV: So you're confident between now and whenever the elections [are] government is just operating as normal?
AP: Oh yes. We go back to normal.
KV: And speaking of the elections, have you made a decision about what you are going to do?
AP: No. It just happened last Friday, so we need, maybe we will discuss that issue very soon from now.
KV: So you still haven't made a decision whether to stand or not?
AP: No. It is a matter for the current members of parliament and members of my party and members of Cabinet. It is an issue for us to sit down and discuss.
KV: I know you would have seen and others would have seen all the messages, social media, and all the talk, how has the family been coping with a lot of the harsh spotlight?
AP: No, no, no. My family they got used to it. They got used to it. I have been in parliament for 31 years but even before that I played that role so it is quite normal for my family because we expect it. My family take it because it is part of the process. This is not the first time for me and members of my family to face this.
