By Katalina Siasau
A lack of public consultation over the replacement of Tonga's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Act is a key concern for the chair of the Friendly Islands Democratic Party (PTOA), who petitioned the Palace this morning, urging the King to withhold his Royal Assent for the new Act.
The Tonga Legislative Assembly on 5 August passed a new Bill for “His Majesty's Diplomatic Services Act”, that was tabled into the House by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala.
Speaking to Matangi Tonga outside the Lord Chamberlain’s Office, Chairwoman of the PTOA party, Teisa Pohiva-Cokanasiga, said that authorities should have conducted public consultations on this Bill.
“It's a huge change. It should have been done properly or in more transparent way,” she said.
She believes that the change to the structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “consequentially will affect also the structure of government.”
The petition urging King Tupou VI to withhold his Royal Assent from His Majesty's Diplomatic Services Act, was delivered this morning, 14 August, by members of the PTOA (Paati Temokalati 'Otumotu Anga’ofa) to the Office of the Lord Chamberlain in Nuku’alofa.
The petition, signed by over 200 people, was received by the King's Private Secretary, Sione Fifita.
The letter of petition outlines eight reasons for the King to withhold his Royal Assent from “His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services Act”.
A key concern is the lack of public consultation regarding the Act. The letter stated that the public should have been given the opportunity to understand the Act's purpose and its significant changes.
Pohiva-Cokanasiga expressed concern that His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service Bill 2025, was passed without debate.
“Public consultation should have been done before the submission of the bill into Cabinet and from Cabinet into Parliament, and during Parliament. Whichever institution this bill went through, or this act of Parliament — went through at some point, there should have been some consultation with the public, or at least, if it was challenged or questioned in Parliament, people would have been more aware of this act.”
Pohiva-Cokanasiga views the content of the Act as a major step backward for the country's progress toward democracy.
“The content of the act itself, it's to me, it's not a step forward for the country, towards democracy or democratic governments. It's a huge step backwards for so many reasons that I'm willing to discuss further, as we move with this Act in this petition.”
His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services
After His Majesty’s Diplomatic Service Bill 2025 was tabled into Parliament by the Minister Foreign Affairs, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala on 5 August, it was passed by the Legislative Assembly without debate, or criticism from the MPs.
The Bill introduces significant changes, including the establishment of His Majesty’s Diplomatic Services, which will replace the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It will regulate diplomatic and consular relations and manage immigration services in accordance with national interest, as determined by the King and Cabinet.
Upon commencement of the Act, all employees, assets, records, and obligations of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be transferred to the newly established Diplomatic Services.
PATOA
Teisa Pohiva-Cokanasiga owns the Kele'a newspaper and radio. She is the daughter of the late 'Akilisi Pohiva, former Prime Minister of Tonga and leader of the PTOA democratic party.
'Akilisi Pohiva Jr. will be running for the Ha'apai 13 seat in the November 2025 General Election.
