"We have nothing to do with the relationship between the governments of the two Chinas PRC and ROC], their relationship is their own affair. We keep good relations with both Chinas, and we are working with both of them."

"The intelligentsia are not the best campaigners. We have not had one person with a degree elected — they have all been appointed by me."

"When our first King George united the islands in 1845, he was doing so on behalf of the people themselves. He was not grabbing power on behalf of other aristocrats. He was ridding the islands of the despots and the villains and the robber-barons."

"My people love me. I love them and care for them. It is as simple as that."

"I find I can control my weight quite easily just by eating a lot of soup. I would say that I'm down to, oh, about 360 pounds."

"Until I arrived in America, I never knew that Amazing Grace could be sung so many times in one day."

"The history of Tonga tells us that the governing of the country was carried out by the King himself. When parliament was installed it was then carried out by the king in partnership with the nobles, then the people's representatives were brought in, still to be in partnership with the King and the nobles to work together."

"However the aim of the people's representatives (today) is to form an opposition so that there will always be debates and confrontation which could result in the house being not able to do any work."

"Yes, I have just ordered one [satellite dish] for the palace in Nuku‘alofa. It is being shipped from Seattle now. I shall be a regular watcher of CNN."

"I shall be the first head of state to visit a reunited Berlin. Tonga had an understanding with Bismarck and provided coaling stations for German ships. It was before our Treaty of Friendship with Britain. Germany was a South Pacific colonial power - in Samoa and New Guinea - until 1919. There is thus some historic significance in my going there now, I suppose."

"I like being king."

"While vocation is a call from God, it can be responded to only in an environment where God has a place. Good family life which is built on the love of the parents for one another and for the children, good Catholic Education and a strong sense of responsibility for the Church may be some of the reasons why young men continue to consider the priesthood as a possible choice of life."

"The renewing power of the Holy Spirit is touching this country, especially the hearts of young members of the Church preparing for World Youth Day. It was an exciting moment and a call to renewal in Christ, not only for young people but for the whole diocese."

"When we come together, we try to search for a collective effort in spite of our differences. We are split and scattered by the ocean, but we must find ways to tackle our issues."

"An unprecedented disaster hit Tonga."

"I'm sure that the people of Tonga feel the loss of this great leader of the Pacific. Our thoughts and prayers are with New Zealand."

"I am grateful that you all have given me your trust with this important (Prime Minister) role to lead our government for the next four years. I hope that we work together as one House (Legislative Assembly)."