Tonga’s Prime Minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva has put an end to the debate on the payment made to Forbes magazine for an interview in February this year.
And he has stood by his Finance Minister, Dr ‘Aisake Eke for recommending to Cabinet to pay Forbes TOP$230,000 (US$108,000)
He denied allegations that Dr Eke was involved in the initial arrangement for the well-respected global magazine to interview the Prime Minister. Instead, he revealed to Radio and Television Tonga News that the interview was organised by the former Chief Secretary of Cabinet, 'Aholotu Palu.
Recently, the Finance Minister corrected an article published by the Prime Minister's Media Advisor, Kalafi Moala about his involvement in the payment of the Prime Minister's interview with the magazine.
In the exclusive interview with Radio and Television Tonga News, PM Pohiva clarified the Minister of Finance was only made aware of the agreement with Forbes when the magazine demanded payment. He assured the people of Tonga that he completely trusts Dr Eke as the country’s Finance Minister and urged them not to be swayed by what the media was reporting.
The payment was initially US$150,000 before it was reduced to US$130,000.
The main issue highlighted in the interview, according to the PM was his role in the political reforms in Tonga after His Majesty relinquished his power to the people.
He said the objective of the interview was to promote Tonga’s image to the international community.
The Prime Minister also revealed that he did not give Kalafi Moala the permission to accuse the Finance Minister or release any information on the payment.
But he believes it is his duty as the Prime Minister to clear the issue with the media, as it seemed to have affected the credibility of the Minister of Finance.
Radio Tonga News understands, the payment was made from the vote of estimate of the Ministry of Tourism estimated at more than TOP$230,000 after Cabinet approved the payment.