Tonga’s Speaker of Parliament, Lord Vaea, has raised concerns over what he described as the government’s slow response in informing Parliament about the judiciary’s denial of serious allegations concerning Lord Chief Justice Malcolm Bishop KC.
As Kaniva News reported on Monday, proceedings in the Legislative Assembly were temporarily suspended after a controversial allegation concerning Chief Justice Lord Malcolm Bishop KC was raised during debate on the government’s annual budget.
The Chair of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu’ilakepa, ordered an immediate halt to proceedings after People’s Representative for Tt 7 Piveni Piukala made claims regarding the Chief Justice’s health.
Lord Tu’ilakepa swiftly ruled the allegation out of order, describing it as highly sensitive and inappropriate for parliamentary discussion without proper substantiation.
He then directed that the House adjourn temporarily to prevent any further debate on the matter.
The Speaker’s concern on Tuesday revived the issue after Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, Viliami Uasike Latu, told the House that the Court had firmly rejected the claims.
He also conveyed the judiciary’s “grave concern and disappointment” at the allegations, saying the allegations had spread rapidly, particularly on social media and through overseas news outlets.
“The allegations have damaged the credibility of the Judiciary, the third branch of government,” he told Parliament.
Drawing on Mr Uasike’s statement to the House, the Speaker confirmed that a complaint from the Ministry of Justice had been formally tabled.
The Speaker described the allegation as “serious” and warned the House any further discussion on it will not be allowed.
He then raised concern that the government failed to act promptly, only filing the complaint the following day.
“Me’a pe kou hanga ongo’i a e ikai ‘omai ‘e he pule’anga he vave taha ‘aneafi kae tuku mai ke toki fai ‘a e feme’a’aki ‘i he pongipongi’ ni”, the Speaker said in Tongan.
He confirmed that the House had now received a formal complaint and that the matter had been processed according to parliamentary procedures. The Speaker further ruled that the issue would not be debated until the appropriate processes had been completed.
MP Piukala challenged Mr Latu during the session, asking him to clarify which specific parts of his allegations were considered incorrect. His questioning suggested he continues to stand by his claims.
In response, Mr Latu urged Piukala to wait for the outcome of the review currently being conducted by parliamentary staff.
Following the exchange, the House proceeded with its scheduled business, resuming budget deliberations in the Committee of the Whole House.
