DPM denies PSA head’s allegation he misused Tourism money, says claims based on malice

'Oku taupotu 'i lalo ha fakamatala faka-Tonga

Deputy Prime Minister Sēmisi Sika has denied allegations by PSA head Mele ‘Amanaki that he misused the Ministry of Tourism’s money.

The Deputy Prime Minister said he understood ‘Amanaki was deeply disappointed with the government.

Hon Sika said her allegations were based on malice and were an attempt to discredit the Pohiva government.

He said he had a clean conscience and that he was free from the allegation.

He described the allegation as lies from the beginning to the end.

Hon Sika said he was surprised when he became aware of the allegation when a petition organized by ‘Amanaki was read last month in Parliament.

He said some of the allegation in the petition should have not been brought to Parliament as they could have been resolved outside.

Hon Sika said the TP$1.5 million budget for the Tonga Tourism Authority board was  for the promotion of tourism and nothing was used elsewhere.

He said the money was at the Treasury and any withdrawals made by his Ministry of Tourism they had been recorded.

He said he was concerned that he had to correct the allegation through the news media after it had already been read in Parliament and aired in public.

Hon Sika said ‘Amanaki was his close friend and colleague when they supported the civil servants who went on strike in 2005.

He said he was surprised that ‘Amanaki did not let him know about the allegation and give him a chance to respond.

Hon Sika told Tnews the money at the centre of the allegation had not been audited, but he understood the auditor has worked on it.

The main points

  • Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Sika has denied allegations by PSA head Mele ‘Amanaki that he misused the Ministry of Tourism’s money.
  • He said her allegations were based on malice and were an attempt to discredit the Pohiva government.

You may also like to read this

PSA head rebuts Kele’a newspaper’s attacks as petition to investigate Cabinet submitted

Leaked e-mails appear to show fear lawyer’s unpaid debt could affect Tongasat case

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news