From the House by Pesi Fonua

There were a number of big issues raised by Members during question time in the Tonga Legislative Assembly yesterday, 15 February. But the most sensitive questions were those asked about the Prime Minister, who has been absent from the House for over three months. MPs wanted to know more about the disagreement between King Tupou VI and his Prime Minister that has dragged on for two weeks.

The Prime Minister has not resigned his defence portfolio, after King Tupou VI in Privy Council, on 2 February, withdrew his confidence and consent to the 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.

In response, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, told the King that he has confidence in 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, who was appointed to the House by the PM).

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

The House

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.

The People’s Rep. for Tongatapu 7, Piveni Piukala, asked the House if there had been any response from the Palace regarding the Cabinet's rejection of His Majesty's expression of his loss of confidence in the two government ministers. Because there had been no report to the House.

The Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Vaipulu said: “Once we are ready, we will respond.”

Hon. Piukala insisted, “I want to raise this issue – in the past there has been concern with the concerns of HM. I am concerned with the long time of no response from the PM, but I don’t think His Majesty is concerned...We already smelt this – that His Majesty had expressed his loss of confidence.”

Hon. Vaipulu replied that the matter was for the King and the Prime Minister to resolve.

Hon. Piukala said under the Constitution the King is responsible for the Foreign Affairs. But there had been no contact over the disagreement with his Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

The Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Hon. Viliami Latu, objected to Hon. Piukala. “He is using His Majesty’s name to advance his theory!”

Hon. Piukala said: “My motion – if possible, don’t let His Majesty become angry.”

Hon. Viliami Latu objected again: “Stop him!”

Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu said there was a communication between the Cabinet and the PM. “His Majesty’s letter was not unconstitutional. His Majesty expressed a view, but not what they insist.”

Call for PM to resign

Hon. Mo'ale Finau (PR Ha'apai) called for the PM and his ministers to resign. “His Majesty was very concerned about this. There was no revocation to fire the ministers – the king expressed that he no has confidence. I ask for the PM and the Ministers to resign.”

The Speaker, Lord Fakafanua warned the members: “This is very sensitive.”

Lord Tu'ivakano (Nobles 2, Tongatapu) said, “I think we have reached a state of understanding over what is happening. I am, because His Majesty told me to look after this table. The cup that has been spilled, that is it. Leave it for next week. We feel what is happening, whatever is happening it affects us all. My request for next week – let government sort [find a solution]. I am in full support of HM. You all know what to do.”

Regarding what had been said by the Ha'apai Member, the Speaker told the House that the Speaker has no power to stop the debate, unless there are differences.

“His Majesty is the leader of this country. What happened last week stirred a lot of concern and debate. But we should be careful. As Samiu [Vaipulu] said – we are working on it,” he said.