TONGA'S new Minister of Health 'Akilisi Pohiva tendered his resignation today, less than two weeks after he was appointed as a Cabinet Minister on 29 December 2010.

'Akilisi, who was himself nominated for Prime Minister but lost the vote in the second round, appeared to have finally come to terms with the fact that he cannot lead an opposition while holding a portfolio in the current government.

Cabinet Ministers were to be sworn in today after parliament was officially opened by the Princess Regent, Princess Pilolevu Tuita.

Instead, it was only the Speaker of the House, Lord Lasike who was sworn in, and the Cabinet Ministers and the new Members of Parliament will be sworn in tomorrow, Friday 14 January.

The soft opening of parliament without the usual fanfare of brass bans and marching school children was marred by a heavy downpour rain.

'Akilisi Pohiva's letter of resignation, which was released by the Ministry of Information, outlined two reasons, that:
- He disagreed with the decision of the Prime Minister to bring in two unelected Cabinet Ministers, because he believed there are capable elected members who could fill the posts;
- He refused to sign an agreement that all Cabinet Ministers were required to sign. (This was, presumably, a pledge that they would not support a motion for a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister.)