By Katalina Siasau
A one-day salary deduction will be applied to Members of Parliament who did not notify the House of their absence during the roll call on Monday morning, 5 May, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, Lord Fakafanua, announced.
The decision came after Vava’u 16 MP, Hon. Dr Viliami Latu, raised concerns about the absence of several Cabinet Ministers.
At the beginning of the session yesterday, only two Ministers were present, falling short of the 15 MPs required for a quorum to proceed.
"As the Speaker was preparing to adjourn the session, Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimalohi entered the chamber after the roll call had been completed," Parliament's Office stated.
"Dr. Fusimalohi apologized, explaining that he had been involved in opening the 2025 Pacific Network Meeting of National Ozone Officers, and clarified that other Ministers were attending events for International Firefighters' Day."
The Minister for Fire & Emergency Services, Hon. Piveni Piukala, and HRH Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and HM Armed Forces were attending the International Firefighters' Day event that morning.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke is overseas, attending the ADB's 58th Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy.
The former Prime Minister and Tongatapu 3 MP, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, emphasized the importance of MPs, especially Cabinet Ministers, notifying the House in advance if they will be late or absent.
Tongatapu no.1 Noble’s Representative Lord Vaea supported this, urging the Speaker to enforce disciplinary action.
In response, Lord Fakafanua cited Rule 29 of the House Procedures, which mandates a one-day salary deduction for MPs who fail to inform the Legislative Assembly of their absence.
The Speaker instructed the Clerk of Parliament, Gloria Pole’o, to work with the Finance Controller and Treasury to implement the salary deductions for MPs who were absent or arrived late without prior notice. This policy also applies to MPs who miss sessions due to illness, without prior notification.
