Mateni Tapueluelu

Linda Folaumoetu'i says the rumours about Mateni Tapueluelu have been circulating on social media since last week.

She says the the public should demonstrate restraint and responsibility when posting on social media.

Tapueluelu pledged to carry out his legislative duty and responsibilities with integrity and righteousness.

He also pledged to obey his Majesty King Tupou VI, the King of Tonga and also to abide by the Constitution of Tonga.

Tapueluelu was originally elected into the Legislative Assembly of Tonga as a People Representative of Tongatapu 4 Constituency.

He was appointed to the Police and Fire Services Ministerial Post following the sacking of the former Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. ‘Aisake Eke in March this year.

Kaniva News reports in a 19 page ruling dated April 8, Judges Moore, Handley, Blanchard and Tupou found his election was lawful and did not breach Clause 65 of the Constitution.

The claims were made by MP, Mateni Tapueluelu.

The TBC's general manager, Nanise Fifita, says the claims are damaging because the broadcaster is trying to raise money around the country to make the payments.

Ms Fifita says the government cannot meet all the costs and the TBC is approaching businesses and the general public to help find thousands of pa'anga.

Matangi Tonga reports the Office of the Attorney General has filed a civil action in the Supreme Court to declare Mr Tapueluelu's candidacy unlawful because he had an allegedly outstanding debt when he was nominated for last year's general election.

The acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions 'Aminiasi Kefu claims when Mr Tapueluelu submitted his nomination as a candidate he had an outstanding legal cost of approximately US$6,800 dollars, which he should have paid to Clive Edwards after a defamation case.

Last Friday, the Office of the Attorney General filed a civil action in the Supreme Court to declare Tapueluelu's nomination as a candidate unlawful because he had an alleged outstanding debt on the date of his nomination for the General Election in 2014.

The Acting Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecutions ‘Aminiasi Kefu said the civil action on October 23, 2014, and his subsequent election on November 27, 2014 as a People’s Representative for Tongatapu 4 electoral constituency, was unlawful and invalid.