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The temporary office of the Tonga Legislative Assembly is located at the Tonga National Cultural Center
photo: VNP / Daniela Mauart-Cox
Earlier this year, Tonga’s King Tupou VI expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s appointment of a foreign minister.
As a result, the then minister, Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, resigned in April but a successor has yet to be appointed.
Meanwhile, the ministry is currently without a chief executive, with the appointment of Paula Ma’u suspended while outgoing chief executive Viliami Malolo is seeking a judicial ruling on his removal.
RNZ Pacific’s Tonga correspondent Kalafi Moala said this had created a political deadlock and the issue was clearly not being resolved.
Fekita Utoikamanu resigned as foreign minister in April.
photo: Pacific Community
“Firstly, there is a court case where the royally appointed foreign minister is suing the government and suing the Public Service Commission as well as the government secretary to try to get rid of him, I don’t know what.”
Moala said no one knew who was in charge of foreign affairs.
This is crucial because the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting will be held in Tonga next month, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs usually plays a key role.
“The Prime Minister’s Office will actually be making some very critical decisions on foreign affairs following the Pacific Islands Forum,” Moala said.
He said the king believed that “traditionally and even constitutionally he was the only one who had the power to sign a treaty.
“In other words, if Tonga signs a treaty with any foreign country, it must be ratified and signed by the Royal Family, not only is this in the constitution, but it is also the practice in Tonga.”
Moala said he had received advice that unless the issue was brought to Parliament and a solution was proposed by members of the nobility, it would not be resolved.
“But it’s very complex and I can’t say it’s going to be an easy path, but it needs to be addressed sooner or later.”
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