Tonga MP Suspended From Parliament

Tonga Mp Suspended From Parliament In Spat Over Funding For Palace Renovations

http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55403

NUKU'ALOFA (Radio NZ International/Pacific Media Watch): Tongan pro-democracy MP Akilisi Pohiva says he will leave it to the people to decide if his two week-suspension from Parliament is just.

The People’s Representative has been suspended after the government disputed claims he made over funding for extensions to the palace in Nuku’alofa, which he said had been ordered by the King.

Pohiva also claimed in Parliament that the money, estimated to be about US$6 million, would be taken from Chinese aid funding for the rebuilding of the capital after riots four years ago.

He says he stands by those comments.

“Well, I have a right to appeal. I am still thinking about it. I need time and I cannot waste my time. This is campaign time and I think this is an issue for the public to look at and discuss during this campaign. And I think the members of the public will have a chance to read the minutes.”

ENDS

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