By Katalina Siasau

Piveni Piukala, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu no. 7, has been suspended from the House for one day following a heated exchange with the Chairman of the Whole House Committee.

Piukala was addressing the House during debate on the budget allocation for the Ministry of Customs, particularly on issues relating to organised crime and illicit drugs. During his remarks, he referred to several incidents from last year during his tenure as Minister of Police.

Members of the House, along with the Chairman of the Whole House Committee, Lord Tu’ilakepa, sought to redirect the discussion to the budget.

The Chairman issued multiple warnings to Piukala, which later escalated into a tense exchange between the two.

Following the confrontation, Lord Tu’ilakepa ordered Piukala to vacate the House for a period of one day.

Meanwhile, a formal complaint lodged by the Government concerning allegations made by Piukala against the Lord Chief Justice has been referred to the Privileges Committee for consideration.