Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Photo:
The recent announcement by Tonga's Privy Council that the King Tupou VI has lost confidence in certain ministers does not mean they have lost their jobs.
A former attorney general of Tonga, Aminiasi Kefu, said that is a decision for the government in discussions with the King.
The Privy Council issued a memorandum last week saying the King has lost confidence in Defence Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni and Foreign Minster Fekita 'Utoikamanu, who is also the Tourism Minister.
Kefu said, in his view, this is an expression of the King's views to the Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku.
He said the constitution requires that for a functioning government the King and the prime minister need to work in partnership so it can function properly
Kefu said the King could only remove a minister on the recommendation of the prime minister, so now he says it is up to the prime minister to decide what to do.
He added if both men fail to agree then the country would face a constitutional stalemate.
Unconstitutional, AG Folaumoetu'i says
Tonga's Attorney-General Linda Folaumoetu'i has advised the Prime Minister and Cabinet that the Privy Council's letter stating that the King had revoked two ministerial appointments was unconstitutional.
Based on this advice Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku, who is overseas, has reiterated his confidence in 'Utoikamanu.
Acting Prime Minister Samiuela Vaipulu said 'Utoikamanu will continue to serve in her role which includes hosting New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, who lands in Tonga on Tuesday night for a one day visit.
Tonga's King Tupou VI Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Indira Stewart
King is traditionally foriegn minister
RNZ Pacific correspondent in Tonga, Kalafi Moala, said the King is usually the country's foreign minister and this would have prompted a push to remove 'Utoikamanu from the role.
Moala said the Defence Minister role is usually filled by a noble, supposedly to ensure the military is not misused.
"On the Minister of Foreign Affairs it has also been traditionally that the head of state, the King, [who] travels overseas and creates diplomatic relationships with other nations.
"For example, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV was the one that opened up the door for Tonga to have diplomatic relations with China," said.
Foreign Minster Fekita 'Utoikamanu Photo: Pacific Community
