King Tupou VI has revoked Lord Lasike’s appointment as the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga and he is no longer a member of parliament.

The Office of the Legislative Assembly in a statement today, July 18, said the decision was made by the king under Clause 61(2) (c) of the Constitution and conveyed in a letter to the Speaker yesterday.

The letter advised the Speaker by his other name "Havea Hikule'o Tu'uhetoka" that the decision was a consequence of his Conviction on 9 July 2012 by the Supreme Court of an offence under section 4(2)(b) of the Arms and Ammunition Act, which is an offence punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of five years.

Under Clause 23 of the Constitution the decision was effective from the date of his conviction and he is no longer an elected representative to the Legislative Assembly of Tonga.

Lord Lasike "Havea Hikule'o Tu'uhetoka"