By Katalina Siasau

The Prime Minister, Hon. Hu’akavameiliku, arrived in Tonga this afternoon, 16 February, from New Zealand, after being away for almost three weeks for medical treatment and official duties. He has not resigned his defence portfolio after the King withdrew his confidence and consent to his appointment two weeks ago.

The Prime Minister has been absent from the Legislative Assembly for over three months, where controversy stirred yesterday as members argued about the disagreement between King Tupou VI and his Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister’s Office told Matangi Tonga the Prime Minister was back in country today, and would be attending the House sitting next Monday, 19 February.

Hon. Hu'akavameiliku has undergone medical treatment, and had also tended to some official meetings while in New Zealand. He was on extended leave from the House.

The Legislative Assembly convened from Monday 12 February 2024 to continue its proceedings of the 2023 parliamentary session.

King Tupou VI in Privy Council on 2 February withdrew his confidence and consent to his appointment of two Cabinet ministers: Hon. Hu’akavameiliku as the Minister for His Majesty’s Armed Forces, and Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and as the Minister for Tourism.

However, the Prime Minister disagreed, and told the King that he has confidence in the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu and that she would continue in her role. (Hon. 'Utoikamanu is an unelected minister in the House, who was appointed by the PM).

Yesterday 15 January, Hon. 'Utaikamanu attended the House sitting.

During the day's session, the People's Rep. for 'Eua, Hon. Dr. Taniela Fusimālohi questioned the long absence from the House of the Prime Minister. “There are urgent questions in need of response from the Prime Minister. What is the state of health of the PM? Is there a state of health that will counter his ability? Is it good for him to remain as PM?” he asked.

--

See also:

https://matangitonga.to/2024/02/06/cabinet-refutes-kings-orders-as-uncon... [2]

https://matangitonga.to/2024/02/05/king-tupouVI-has-no-confidence-two-mi... [3]