The new Tongan government will stretch out its closure of parliament up to eight months.

The sitting of the Legislative Assembly has been adjourned to May, at the request of the Prime Minister, Parliament's Office said in a statement today.

According to the statement the House was initially scheduled to sit yesterday, Monday, February 17.

However, the Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua with the approval of the Legislative Assembly’s Business Standing Committee, had approved a letter from the Prime Minister requesting an adjournment until May.

"In his letter, the Prime Minister stated his government needed time to complete some unfinished business and they are currently working on new initiatives, including the preparation of the 2020/2021 Budget and new Bills to be tabled in the House." Parliament's Office stated.

Hon Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa's request was made by the Speaker to the Business Standing Committee and the proposed changes to the sitting calendar were approved.

The members of the Business Standing Committee of the House are: The Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa; Deputy PM, Hon. Vuna Fa'otusia; the Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua; Lord Tu'iha'angana; Light of Day Veivosa Taka and Semisi Fakahau.

It is normal practice for the Prime Minister to seek the Speaker’s approval of Parliament to convene or adjourn.

Parliament had its last sitting in September 2019, when the Prime Minister was elected by members of parliament. They have not returned to the House since then.