Discussions have been made on how His Majesty's privileges would be handed over to the Government.

Overall MPs are in favour of the Report, but voiced concerns over the wording or translations of the wording of some of the points. They wanted the Report to be worded in the correct Tongan way so that the level of respect may be upheld.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Viliami Tangi told Parliament that Government fully supports the move for all parliamentarians to be elected by the people.

He added that the Government also favours that the Prime Minister be given the responsibility to appoint members of his Cabinet but there is a need for the people to fully understand that notion.

MPs, whom they will vote for, will become Prime Ministers and Ministers. For this reason, if the Prime Minister at the time feels there is the need for additional expert ministers, then he can do so, if necessary.

However, it would be very risky for the Prime Minister to appoint additional Ministers from outside Parliament, while there are experts' already in the house. Such a move would make Members Parliament lose confidence in the Prime Minister.

Government also support for the Prime Minister to appoint Ministers and not the King himself. His Majesty has recently relinquished his constitutional power to appoint a Minister - to the Prime Minister. His Majesty will give his consent to any Minister's appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister

eTonga Tonga News