We have arrived in the Dark Ages in Tongan politics. Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has received a death threat from someone who is contemplating taking the law into his own hands.
Matangi Tonga Online reported that Hon. Pōhiva has identified the perpetrator, but it’s hearsay at this point, and the issue was raised in Parliament the other day.
The threat is absolutely wrong, immoral, despicable and it should not be condoned. I have had many disagreements with the present government — especially with the Prime Minister and Cabinet — but I do not believe in violence to solve disagreements.
Lawlessness must be discouraged and stopped in its tracks before it gets out of hand. It does not matter who the Prime Minister might be, a death threat is evil and immoral. It must not be encouraged to be entertained in jest, a bad joke, or some sick commentary. End of story!
Because civilized societies are ruled by law, our constitution is our legal Bible. We Tongans are proud to be a civilized lot together with our Pacific neighbors, and Super Powers give us respect due to our constitution. Tonga rejected colonialism due in large to our having such a constitution.
We value human life guaranteed by the constitution. Therefore, we agreed to allow the course of justice to take its time and sort things out legally. If we disagree with our current government leaders we do have freedom of expression, free speech, and freedom of the press. And Tonga has made advancements thanks to the efforts made by past government leaders.
CRITICAL PUBLIC DEBATES BETTER THAN VIOLENCE
We get our political “fix” from healthy debates in kava parties; we publish our opinions in the newspapers; and voice our disagreement on the radio and TV.
Civilized people use the media to vent their political frustrations. We are allowed to lampoon and make fun of our political leaders. We can call them names as long as they are in good taste, and within the law. We can organize public demonstrations and write petitions, and use all methods of communication to persuade others to our political leaning. But we do not initiate threats of violence against innocent people.
Government leaders are entitled to their day in court should they be accused of crimes. The recent expulsion of two Members of Parliament (‘Etuate Lavulavu and Mateni Tapueluelu) are testimonies that our legal system works.
I am one of the most ardent critics of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. I disagree with almost everything they do, but I cannot advocate violence to replace healthy public discourses. May we continue our lively and healthy debates to invigorate new ideas and contribute to serving justice in the Kingdom.
If the Prime Minister’s death threat is true, such a person who plans this immoral crime cannot justify his actions other than premeditated murder. The punishment for “murder one” is the death penalty because it is wrong and immoral.
Sione A. Mokofisi is Director of English-Journalism & Business Management at Tonga International Academy. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of this website. He can be contacted on s1mokofisi@yahoo.com