The Vava’u No. 2 Noble Representative, Lord Tu’ilakepa, has reported receiving death threats after lodging a complaint against Police Minister Paula Piukala in Parliament.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, Lord Tu’ilakepa stated that an individual named ‘Asiata Masima had threatened him including using a firearm to harm. He linked these threats to his recent parliamentary complaint concerning Minister Piukala’s conduct.
Lord Tu’ilakepa expressed concern over a social media post in which Minister Piukala allegedly asserted his authority to arrest anyone. He warned that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of Members of Parliament. He also argued that these actions breached Clause 70 of the Tongan Constitution.
In response, Minister Piukala disputed Lord Tu’ilakepa’s claims, suggesting that such matters should be reported to the police rather than discussed during parliamentary sessions which at the moment is focused on government audited reports.
Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua, clarified that addressing such complaints is a privilege afforded to MPs and will be managed by the house. He directed that the issue be referred to the Standing Committee on Privileges for further deliberation.
