Claims by Opposition MP Ketan Lal that a Tongan Navy vessel entered Fiji without undergoing Immigration and Biosecurity checks were reportedly raised as a concern by Tongan nobles during the recent installation of the Tui Lau, Tui Nayau, and Sau ni Vanua o Lau.
This was revealed by Government MP Lynda Tabuya during her remarks in Parliament’s budget debate yesterday, where she criticised Mr Lal’s comments as damaging to Fiji–Tonga relations.
“The consequences of honourable Lal’s words extend far beyond political point scoring. It has injected ill will and risked creating hostility where none existed,” Ms Tabuya said.
“I know this because this concern was raised with me by the Tongan nobles and royal family members who were hosted at the yavusa Tongayavu at Onewai, in Tubou Village.”
She said Mr Lal’s statement was not only irresponsible but also a dereliction of duty.
“This is not merely irresponsible, it is a dereliction of duty. His actions have damaged the reputation of the sovereign Kingdom of Tonga. Damaged the reputation of our border security and biosecurity of Fiji, undermined our long-standing relations with Tonga, relations built not just on neighbourly goodwill, but on centuries of deep family ties and shared tradition, as well as to the many Tongans who live in Fiji.”
Ms Tabuya says Mr Lal owes the Tongan royals and the people of Tonga an apology.
“Honourable Lal owes a profound apology to His Majesty, the King of Tonga, Her Majesty the Queen of Tonga, and the people of Tonga, whose dignity he has insulted.”
