13 Oct 2009

Head of Tongan women's congress fasting to remove PM

2:37 pm on 13 October 2009

The head of the Tongan Women's National Congress is prepared to fast to the death in a bid to see the Prime Minister removed from office.

Mele 'Amanaki and other members of the congress began prayers and a hunger strike at six o'clock yesterday morning.

The organisation is protesting against what it says are injustices and poor governance of Dr Feleti Sevele's administration, including the handling of the Princess Ashika disaster and the increasing number of crimes committed by men against women and children.

The congress is to present tomorrow a petition to the King calling for the Prime Minister's sacking and the appointment of a caretaker replacement.

Ms Amanaki says chain fasting among members means that each will fast one day a week but she will go without food and water until the petition is successful.

"I am a food technologist by profession so I know the consequences that I am up against and I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid. I know I will go through a hardship but I have faith in Him that he will help me through it."

Mele 'Amanaki says her two daughters aged 12 and nine will be well looked after if her hunger strike results in death.