NUKU‘ALOFA — Local broadcaster 88.1FM People’s Radio has obtained financial disclosures detailing the cumulative, 15-year expenditure of a sitting Cabinet Minister since the initial election to the Parliament of Tonga.
The financial disclosures detail comprehensive, publicly funded travel expenditures, including airfare, accommodation, subsistence, and communication expenses, along with country-specific per diems and a 40% travel loading. At some travels, it also covers costs for spouse and staff, alongside combined benefits for the official holding both Parliamentary and Cabinet positions.
A review of the itineraries indicates that several official deployments is attending of sporting events. According to the information, the cumulative of these travel expenses over the 15-year period is estimated between $3 million and $5 million TOP, of public tax revenues.
This brings about a question directed to the Hon. Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua and his current Cabinet Ministers:
Is this information received by 88.1FM, as mentioned above, true?
The people of this country has a constitutional right to be informed of us and the ways their tax paying money is being spend. Our diaspora community also deserves to be informed as they generate $580 million a year into the country through remittances.
The identity of the Cabinet Minister remains withheld at this time. 88.1FM People’s Radio has extended an opportunity to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to review the information and verify its accuracy. Should the administration decline to clarify or address the matter, the broadcaster will proceed with the public disclosure of the official’s identity to ensure full public accountability.
