News today, that King Tupou VI has initiated steps to remove the portfolios from two government ministers, has raised more questions than answers.

In the firing line are the Minister for His Majesty's Armed Forces, Hon. Hu'akavameiliku and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism, Hon. Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu.

This morning Radio Tonga reported, in Tongan, that: “the King is not satisfied with two Ministers”.

The Radio Tonga news was sourced to a letter purported to have been sent from the King in Privy Council to the Cabinet.

However, it was not clear whether or not the King was revoking the appointment of the two Ministers, or just expressing his displeasure.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, told Matangi Tonga that: “what the radio said is true they got that information from me.” He had no further comment.

The Palace Office told Matangi Tonga today that they could provide no information and that the matter was confidential.

Meanwhile, the DPM has been performing official functions while the Prime Minister is, apparently, abroad.

HMAF is one of several ministerial portfolios held by the Prime Minister, Hon. Hu'akavmeiliku, but his other portfolios were not under fire.

It is believed the PM is currently undergoing private medical treatment.

Hon. 'Utoikamanu is believed to be in Belgium, where she is attending an EU meeting.

The letter to the Cabinet concerned a Privy Council decision on Friday, 2 February.

It is believed that the King on the advice of His Privy Council had decided to withdraw his confidence and consent to the appointments of the Hon. Hu'akavameiliku as the Minister for HMAF and Hon. 'Utoikamanu as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and as Minister for Tourism.

Tonga Constitution

Under the Tonga Constitution the King is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of Tonga. It is lawful for the King to make treaties with Foreign States.

The executive authority of the Kingdom is vested in Cabinet, responsible to the Legislative Assembly for the executive functions of the government. The Cabinet members are nominated by the Prime Minister and appointed by the King.

Clause 51 of the Constitution states that a minister shall retain his position as Minister until his appointment is revoked by the King on the recommendation of the Prime Minister or in accordance with clause 50B (a Parliamentary vote of no confidence), among other reasons.