10 Oct 2012

Tonga's Justice Minister to ask Pohiva for proof of corruption claims

5:07 am on 10 October 2012

Tonga's Justice Minister Clive Edwards says he will today ask the opposition for proof of alleged misuse of public funds.

This comes after Parliament defeated on Monday a motion of no confidence brought amid claims of corruption.

The leader of the opposition, Akilisi Pohiva, claims the Ministry of Education misused donor funding.

But Mr Edwards says the accusations by Mr Pohiva are distasteful and irresponsible.

Mr Edwards will be asking Mr Pohiva for evidence to be taken to court, saying Tonga has been defamed

"You are getting a bad impression of a government and of a country where allegations of corruption without any substance to it is being bandied around, and we are very upset about it."

Tonga's Justice Minister Clive Edwards.