A former Tongan Minister of Justice and Attorney General is welcoming the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry into allegations of undue government influence over the judiciary.
The Privy Council's establishment of the commission follows a series of claims of government interference, including its plans to abolish the Judicial Services Commission and replace it will a royal appointee.
'Alisi Taumoepeau says the inquiry is a move in the right direction.
"For some, they'll say it's undisputed fact. It's always good to have a proper inquiry where both sides of the allegation is heard by independent commissioners. But we need to ensure that the right people are in the commission."
'Alisi Taumoepeau says ideally the commission would comprise a mixture of people from within and outside of Tonga.
