A move by the Tongan parliament to reduce penalties for possession of firearms offences has been stopped by Tonga's king who has withheld his Royal Assent.

King George Tupou V notified parliament in December that he had withheld his Royal Assent to the Arms and Ammunitions (Amendment) Act 2011 because it was considered to be "inimical to the welfare, well-being and safety of His subjects."

On October 11 parliament voted to bypass public consultation on the amendment bill, before passing it, to reduce the penalty for the illegal possession of firearms from $5,000 to $1,000 and the imprisonment from five years to one year.

It comes at a time when some members of parliament, including the Speaker, are facing charges in the courts under the act.

After bypassing public consultation, the Bill was passed with votes of 10-8. In favour of it were: Sangster Saulala, Hon. 'Isileli Pulu, Hon. Viliami Latu, Lord Tu'ivakano, Lord Vaea, Hon. Fe'ao Vakata, Hon. Clive Edwards, Hon. 'Uliti Uata, Lord Tu'ilakepa and Lord Tu'iha'ateiho. (See: Houses slashes penalties for firearms offences [2].
But the Tongan parliament posted on its website on December 3 that the king had withheld his assent.