“I think we can all profit from criticism”

“If it is a question of suppressing things because they are just awkward, like public blunders, maladministration or something like that – which people have a right to know about – then I think suppression or slanting of news is a bad thing.”

King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV

The late King, His Majesty Taufa’ahau Tupou IV, reigned in a Kingdom whose Constitution provided for freedom of speech and of the press.  This Constitution was declared by His great-great Grandfather, King George Tupou I.  The Consitution reads: “It shall be lawful for all people to speak, write and print their minds and opinion, and no law shall be enacted to forbid this forever.”  When asked about his interpretation of the Constitution, the late Monarch replied simply, “I think it means what it says”.

Freedom of Press, particularly, has been a contested issue in the Kingdom.  The late King’s own views of media are not well known, however, they are documented in an interview with John T Griffen .  As there is currently a heavy media presence in the Kingdom, it is timely to reflect on the late Monarch’s views. 

“I think people in Tonga tend to be oversensitive to criticism.  Instead of examining the criticism and trying to profit from it, if that is possible, they think that criticism is a personal affront.  I think that is quite the wrong attitude.  I think we can all profit from criticism.”

His Majesty the late King believed strongly that the aim of media should be, “To disseminate responsible gathered and written information.  And the first duty of a newspaper is public information.  The directions of a newspaper should be governed first and foremost by this objective.”  In Tonga, rights and responsibilities are irretrievably intertwined. 

The late King was very aware that Tonga’s particular situation was determined by its small size, as well its history of the chief newspapers in Tonga only being government newspapers.  His Majesty said, “I think if you take this into account, freedom of the press will have to come gradually and carefully; it shouldn’t be too much of a shock so that the system can’t stand it.” 

This sentiment was consistent with His approach to a fast changing world.  The King welcomed change.  However, he also valued the stability and peace that characterizes Tonga.