The Public Enterprise Minister, Afu'alo Matoto says that the legal advice of the companies lawyer was the bases of this decision, after it was found that he made certain decisions without prior knowledge or approval of the Corporation's board.

This issue was raised when Tongatapu's Number Three People's Representative, Clive Edwards sought legal assistance from the Government for Mr Jonesse.

Mr Matoto told the House that the lawyer's advice was based on enquiries into the decisions made by Mr Jonesses that were made without the Boards approval.

Mr. Edwards said that perhaps the suspension of Mr Jonesse by the Corporation's Board was due to the difference in evidence presented to the Askika Inquirey. The Corporation removed the lawyer representing Mr Johnesse due to the evidence he presented conflicted with the evidence that two other company staff members gave. Mr Edwards also claimed that perhaps this was an attempt to suppress the evidence given by Mr Jonesse to prevent certain information reaching the public.

Mr Edwards asked whether the Government could provide legal counsel for Mr Jonesse because he was still employed by the company when the Ashika sunk.  

Discussions were being held as to weather or not the Corporation could still help Mr Jonesse in meeting his legal expenses after the Board decided to suspend the CEO and also advised him to find another lawyer.

The Minister said that the Government did not have anything to do with the suspension of the Managing Director by the Board and he believes the decision made by the Board was based on the lawyers advice. He reiterated that the Board felt Mr Jonesse made decisions regarding the Corporation that were not acceptable to them.

Mr Edwards alleged it was the Privy council, not the Board that had the power to suspend the Corporations Managing Director but Mr. Johnesse also sat on the Board of Directors of this state owned enterprise, and anyone who did so and did not perform rested his fate in the hands of the Minister.

Mr Johnesse is only on temporary suspension.

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