First commoner PM ends 5-years appointment [1]
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 - 23:00. Updated on Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 14:45.
TONGA'S Interim Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele today concluded a five years term as Tonga's Prime Minister in happy spirit after a special audience with HM King George Tupou V at The Villa, Mata-ki-'Eua.
It was a historical moment for the former Prime Minister who arrived at the villa just before 11am and then after nearly an hour of meeting with the king emerged very happy.
He told local media that he had thanked His Majesty for the job that he had been blessed with as Prime Minister and he also sought the formal approval from the king to finish that role today.
Dr Sevele also thanked the people of Tonga for their support in working together during his five-year term and he wished the new Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano and his new government all the best.
He said the democratic election had been planned from the onset and was completed with Lord Tu'ivakano elected as Prime Minister and he was happy with the outcome.
He pointed out that Lord Tu'ivakano had a wealth of experience as a Speaker of the Tonga Legislature for many years, a civil servant, a Government Minister and Nobles' Representative. "And I am hopeful for his leadership in our new government," he said.
Dr Sevele said that one of the important tasks during his term was the Political Reform to which the king consented. Parliament had passed legislation in relation to the amendment of the Constitution.
"A lot has been done," he said.
First commoner PM
He reflected that it did not feel that it was too long ago since being appointed as the Prime Minister, five years ago.
"I am happy that the job I was called to has been done and I want to thank His Majesty for his guidance and support to us in Cabinet and in Privy Council."
Dr Sevele said he would enjoy the Christmas holidays and then see what jobs were in store for him in the New Year. "There are many things to be done," he said.
The outgoing Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife 'Ainise Sevele in the audience with the King.
Dr Feleti Vaka'uta Sevele became the first commoner to take up the Prime Minister's position after his appointment in March 2006.