From the House by Pesi Fonua

The Legislative Assembly of Tonga held its first sitting for 2024, on Monday 12 February, with the Acting Speaker, Lord Tu'iha'angana swearing in Tonga’s new Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Siale 'Akau'ola.

The resumption of parliamentary proceedings yesterday was a continuation of the 2023 session, which has not been officially closed due to a number of disruptions. One issue is the overseas travelling by the Speaker of the House, the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers and members of Parliament.

Significantly, with this resumption of Parliament, was that the Speaker, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs were not present.

Four government ministers: the Prime Minister Hon. Hu'akavameiliku, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Hon. Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, the Minister for Finance, Hon. Tiofilusi Tiueti, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry Hon. Lord Fohe, were absent.

It is publicly known that the Prime Minister was in New Zealand for medical treatment, but there was no revelation of why the others were away.

The proceedings in the House sparked off with a number of controversial issues that have been highlighted during the past few weeks, including lengthy travelling by Cabinet members.

The acting Speaker was Lord Tu'iha'angana

The Chairman of the Whole House Committee was Lord Tu'ilakepa.

The House is continuing it's session today Tuesday, 13 February.