The Standing Committee on Privileges has determined that Minister of Police Paula Piukala breached Clause 70 of Tonga’s constitution.
Speaker of Parliament, Lord Fakafanua, announced during a parliament session yesterday that two letters addressing the matter were delivered to Minister Piukala on Monday.
The first complaint, submitted in September 2024 by Lord Fohe, Noble Representative for Tongatapu No.3, relates to remarks Piukala made during a social media interview with Radio TV Tonga International. In the interview,
Piukala referred to nobles Lord Tu’i’afitu, Lord Vaea, Lord Tu’ilakepa, and Lord Fohe as “filthy” (“kulikuli” in Tongan) and suggested they were defying the King’s wishes, effectively saying “to hell with you.” when they declined to join members in the vote of no confidence against former prime minister Siaosi Sovaleni.
The second complaint concerns Piukala’s characterization of Parliament as a house of “fools” (“vale” in Tongan), criticizing the lack of open and detailed discussions on issues before voting. Nobles expressed concern that such language harms Parliament’s reputation.
Before the letters were delivered on Monday, Lord Tu’ilakepa had raised concern on alleged threats received following his complaint against the minister’s inappropriate behaviour in parliament.
Minister Piukala was given an opportunity to respond to these letters. He denied the accusations, stating he did not expect the issue to be raised again after a similar incident had been addressed previously where he had conceded.
Piukala asserted his innocence and indicated willingness to proceed to court if necessary.
But Speaker Lord Fakafanua stated that the Assembly will judge Piukala at its next meeting in accordance with parliamentary regulations.
