Losaline Ma'asi has been nominated by the Prime Minister to become the new Minister of Internal Affairs and replace ousted Minister 'Akosita Lavulavu, whom he fired in April, after fraud charges were laid against her.

Hon ‘Akilisi Pohiva said today in a press conference that he was still waiting on King Tupou VI's response to the nomination for affirmation.

On Losaline's recommendation, he said he wrote a letter to the King on April 24. He had also previously written to the King informing him that he had revoked 'Akosita Lavulavu from her position as Minister of Internal Affairs and that Lord Ma'afu had voluntarily resigned as Minister of Lands, while recommending Rev Dr Mohenoa Puloka to be appointed Governor of Ha’apai.

He said no response had been received from the Palace, as yet.

PM Pohiva said it is the normal process that the King would accept it but how long [that takes], he is not a part of but it usually takes a while.

He also did not believe that the King would reject his recommendations because the normal process of acceptance in the past up to now was according to law.

"Maybe this week," he said.

‘Akosita was fired on April 11 after she was charged with fraud related offences.

Lord Ma'afu resigned on March 2.

Losaline Ma'asi a former civil servant is a new parliamentarian. She was elected as a People's Representative for Tongatapu no. 5 for the first time in Tonga's snap General Election on 16 November 2017.