13 Jun 2006

Counter allegations in Tonga's parliament controversy

3:26 pm on 13 June 2006

Counter allegations have been made In Tonga against the MPs who have challenged the legality of the opening of parliament.

The new minister of Tourism, Fineasi Funaki, is claiming the MPs signed up for the first two weekly allowances before bringing their case against the prime minister, the speaker and the government.

Mr Funaki says if the People's Representatives honestly believe in the righteousness of their Court application they would not have signed for their weekly allowances.

At the Legislative Assembly's session yesterday, the Prime Minister, Feleti Sevele, moved that the House should adjourn until further notice so as to allow both sides to complete legal proceedings, and for the Supreme Court to hear and hand down a decision on the application.