Former Tuvalu Prime Minister denies money abuse

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (RNZI, August 30) - The former Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Saufatu Sopoaga, has denied he abused public funds while in office.

Sopoaga was ousted by a vote of no confidence last week after a government member crossed the floor to boost opposition numbers.

The opposition said the vote of no confidence was brought because Sopoaga was misusing government property and money and went to China without the endorsement of the Cabinet.

"I continued on that trip at the expense of the Chinese government; none of Tuvalu’s money," Sopoaga said "All the other allegations were unfounded; there have not been any audited reports to establish or substantiate these allegations."

Sopoaga resigned his seat in parliament on Friday to delay a ballot for the prime minister’s position.

He said he plans to stand again in the by-election, likely to take place in two to three months.