Dr. Uhilamoelangi Fasi Sheds Light on Governance Failures in Tonga
In a revealing interview on an American podcast, Dr. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu 2 and Chair of the Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Committee, shared his insights into the recent Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) against the Prime Minister and his administration. Dr. Fasi discussed the pressing issues that prompted him and other Members of Parliament to take this significant step, emphasizing their commitment to accountability and reform.
The interviewer began by questioning Dr. Fasi about his use of a Tongan proverb in his speech at the VoNC. This proverb intrigued many listeners. Dr. Fasi referenced “Mata mata lelei faka faitoka,” which similar in meaning to “All that glitters is not gold”. He used this saying to illustrate his concerns about the nation’s educational system and broader governance structure. The metaphor reflects his belief that beneath a polished exterior lie systemic failures in need of urgent reform—not only in education but also in government ministries and businesses.
Dr. Fasi revealed significant discrepancies between government reports and the budgetary allocations presented in parliamentary debates. These inconsistencies were a major driving force behind the VoNC. According to Dr. Fasi, the administration’s failure to provide transparent and accurate financial records raised serious concerns about the management of taxpayer funds.
The VoNC focused on seven critical points, which Dr. Fasi described as “symptomatic of deeper governance failures.” These included:
- The unauthorized use of taxpayer funds for the Pacific Forum in August 2024.
- Violations of the Public Finance Management Act.
- The failure to rebuild housing in Kanokupolu for residents displaced by the 2022 eruption and tsunami.
- The government’s failure to submit required reports for Lulutai Airlines.
- The mismanagement of government-run banks, leading to costly court proceedings at taxpayers’ expense
Additionally, the VoNC addressed changes to the education system, such as abolishing high school entry exams for Class 6 students and moving Forms 1 and 2 back to primary schools. These changes caused confusion and disruption. Dr. Fasi argued that these decisions destabilised established systems without offering viable alternatives.
Although he did not provide a detailed breakdown, Dr. Fasi assured listeners that these points reflect tangible issues affecting the country’s development.
Looking ahead, the new government plans to prioritise investigating the allegations raised during the VoNC. Dr. Fasi emphasised the importance of collaborating with the Anti-Corruption Commissioner to examine evidence of mismanagement of taxpayer funds and aid money by certain ministries and individuals. “One of the strengths of the Anti-Corruption Commission is its ability to investigate cases going back 10 years,” Dr. Fasi noted. “This ensures that no wrongdoing, past or present, goes unchecked.”
He also emphasised that these reforms are just one part of the government’s plans. “Although these reforms may not be fully completed before the next election, we encourage the public to hold any future administration to the same high standard, even if we are no longer in office.”
Dr. Fasi confirmed that public enterprises and all government ministries will undergo scrutiny. He stated that they have clear evidence of “under-the-table dealings” in some ministries, which the government plans to address decisively. These investigations will be crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring the proper use of resources. “We will pass it on to the Anti-Corruption Commissioner to decide on the penalties for these wrongdoings,” he added.
Critique of Tonga’s Education System
With over 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in Tonga’s education sector, Dr. Uhilamoelangi Fasi is uniquely positioned to critique the system. He expressed concern over the decline in educational standards, noting that Tonga once led the Pacific region in educational outcomes, often “punching above its weight.” However, the nation has since fallen behind, which he attributes to a lack of teacher quality and ineffective curriculum delivery.
“The education system has suffered from systemic neglect,” Dr. Fasi stated, highlighting how the degradation of teacher training and resource allocation has had long-term consequences for Tonga’s youth and future development.
Dr. Ana Taufeʻulungaki was the last notable Minister for Education prior to the late Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva taking over in 2014. Dr. Taufeʻulungaki served for 30 years in various roles within the Tongan Ministry of Education, including teacher, principal, and educational planner. From 1999, she joined the University of the South Pacific, progressing from Fellow to Director of the Institute of Education, and later Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Affairs in 2006–2007.
Akilisi Pohiva held the position until his passing in 2019, and Siaosi Sovaleni has held the Minister of Education portfolio since.
A comprehensive look at Dr. Uhilamoelangi Fasi’s views on the educational system will be featured in the next article, titled Decline of Tonga’s Educational Standards.
