Tonga's Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva Photo: Alex Perrottet / RNZ
Tonga's Prime Minister has warned the country is a playground for criminals and wants to investigate the competency of the police.
'Akilis Pohiva made the statement in parliament this week, where he said he was very worried and proposed a committee to be formed to investigate the police force.
Last week, an American man arrested for murder escaped custody and fled to American Samoa. He faces extradition back to Tonga.
Mr Pohiva said MPs should be aware that the escape of prisoners is not a new thing for Tonga.
He spoke of a case last year where two escapees turned up at the airport with passports and left the country.
However, noble MP Lord Fusitu'a reminded the Prime Minister that the ministries are under his government.
Mr Pohiva responded by saying it was a problem for all and everyone's responsibility to fix it.
But House Speaker Lord Tu'ivakano reiterated his noble colleague's sentiments by saying it was the government's responsibility and the cabinet should figure out solutions.
