RNZI’s presenter of Dateline Pacific, Don Wiseman, has suggested that Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva’s son read the New Zealand broadcaster’s website more carefully before accusing it of bias.
Wiseman was responding to an extraordinary attack on the region’s media by Siosiua Po’oi Pohiva, who acts as his father’s personal assistant.
Kaniva News reports in a lengthy press release, the Prime Minister’s PA demanded that journalists critical of his father’s government should apologise to King Tupou VI and the Tongan people.
Siosiua Po’oi Pohiva singled out Radio New Zealand International, Taimi o Tonga and publisher Kalafi Moala, Pacific Freedom Forum head Monica Miller and the Pacific Island News Association’s Moses Stevens for their coverage and comments on the removal of former Tonga Broadcasting Commission General Manager Nanise Fifita.
Wiseman, who is also RNZI’s deputy news editor, said he found Siosiua Po’oi Pohiva’s version of events “extraordinarily partial.”
“There are a number of statements from your father and other people that you have chosen to ignore. I think a more thorough read of our website will help.”
The Prime Minister’s personal assistant has painted those who have been critical of the removal of Fifita as being aligned with the government’s enemies.
He said they should also apologise to his father and the Tongan government “for the damage they had caused on Tonga’s integrity.”