7 Feb 2016

Tongan PM unconcerned about death threats

6:38 pm on 7 February 2016
Tonga's Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva arrives in PNG with Niue's Premier Toke Talagi for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in September 2015.

Tongan Prime Minister, Akilisi Pohiva. Photo: Koro Vaka'uta / RNZ

There will be no review of security for the Tongan Prime Minister and no investigation into revelations that 'Akilisi Pohiva has received death threats.

During a debate in parliament between Noble Representative Lord Tu'ilakepa and Mr Pohiva it was revealed that calls had been received of somebody threatening to shoot him.

The Police Minister Pohiva Tu'ionetoa said he immediately asked the Prime Minister if any action needed to be taken.

However Mr Tu'ionetoa said Mr Pohiva didn't want to be like his predecessors, who had security follow them everywhere.

"He doesn't want that for him and he's also asked me not to put any special investigation into the matter or even give him the secured police force to look after him 24 hours a day. He said he is free for anybody to come and talk to him. He is free 24 hours a day."

Local media have reported that 'Akilisi Pohiva told parliament in 2011 his family had had to flee their house after being told someone was coming to shoot them.