A parliamentary Tripartite Committee with a mission to carry forward the Political Reform that was initiated by the National Committee for Political Reform (NCPR) met for the first time yesterday, July 9.

The Tripartite Committee, which is made up of nine members, being three from each of the three compositions of the Tongan Legislative Assembly, the Cabinet Ministers, the Nobles' Representatives and the People's Representatives. The members are the ministers, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Hon. Dr. Viliami Tangi; the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Hon. 'Alisi Taumoepeau; and the Minister for Training, Employment Youth and Sports, Hon. Tu'ivakano; the Nobles, Hon. Luani, Hon.Tu'ipelehake and Hon. Tu'ilakepa; and the PR's 'Akilisi Pohiva, Clive Edwards, and 'Uliti Uata.

Siaosi Vete from the Tonga Legislative Assembly said that following the meeting of the Parliamentary Tripartite Committee yesterday, they elected Noble Luani as their Chairman. Reserve members were for, the Cabinet Ministers Hon. Fineasi Funaki; for the Nobles is Hon. Tu'iha'ateiho; and for the PR's Lepolo Taunisila.

Siaosi said they had been working on a Terms of Reference to be presented to the Tripartite Committee tomorrow when they will map out their working agenda for the next few weeks. The Tonga Parliament has adjouned its session for a month, starting last Monday, July 2.

The Hon. Luani said on Radio Tonga this afternoon that the Tripartite Committee has a working schedule which started yesterday and will run until August 6. He did not give any indication of what they were supposed to be doing other than carrying on from where the late Tu'ipelehake's, National Committee for Political Reform got to. Hon. Luani said they will also have their own contribution to make.