A motion discussed in Parliament yesterday has proposed linking the Tongan MPs’ salaries to that of those in the other Pacific island Parliaments with strong economies like Fiji and Samoa.
Haʻapai 12 constituency MP Vili Hingano claimed the Samoan MPs gets $90,000 Tala (TP$80,000) and the Tongan MPs’ salaries should be aligned with them to reflect their work performance and match their huge workload.
The MP said the two countries considered the hard works and commitments the position required and awarded high salaries the Tongan parliamentary pay could not compare.
He said the high salaries could help reduce possible corruption.
Hingano also claimed the MPs’ constitutents benefit from the MPs’ salaries.
He said the MPs used part of their salaries to help their constituents when they asked for helps.
Lord Tuʻihaʻangana advised Hingano to submit his motion to the Finance and Public Account Committee for further review but MP Samiu Vaipulu reminded the House the constitution stipulates the Legislative Assembly has the right to decide the MPs salaries.
Some of the MPs raised their concerns about the motion saying the issue was sensitive and it should be handled with care to avoid criticism from the public.
