The Minister for Police, Hon. Piveni Piukala was told to issue an apology after being reprimanded in a Cabinet meeting this morning, for his widely publicised scuffle with Lord Tu'ilakepa in Parliament on 4 August. PM Hon. Dr Aisake Eke said "If this happens again, he is out! Same goes for all the Ministers, if this happens again, resign!"
In a media briefing today, 29 August at St George Building in Nuku'alofa, Hon. Piukala publicly apologised for the incident which resulted in a five-day suspension from the Legislative Assembly.
The Minister apologised saying, "It is not my intention to cause disruption in Parliament."
The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke then said the Cabinet has reprimanded the Minister for his behaviour.
He noted that the Minister has been given a final warning and must apologize, or face termination.
"If this happens again, he is out! Same goes for all the Ministers, if this happens again, resign!"
Hon. Piveni Piukala, and Vava’u Noble’s Representative no. 2, Lord Tu’ilakepa were suspended from the Legislative Assembly for five days on 4 August after a physical confrontation in the House.
Video of the incident that has been widely reported showed the Minister of Police angrily getting up from his seat and approaching Lord Tu'ilakepa who was standing speaking. A physical fight ensued and staff of the House and other MPs could be seen stepping in to restrain the two MPs.
