17 Jan 2011

Support for Tonga's Pohiva unchanged, says Pulu

2:43 pm on 17 January 2011

The only remaining cabinet member from Tonga's Democratic Party of Friendly Islands says the party still supports its leader.

The party's leader, Akilisi Pohiva, resigned as health minister, less than two weeks after being appointed.

Mr Pohiva has expressed disappointment at his party being given only two out of the 11 ministries in the government announced by the new prime minister, Lord Tu'ivakano, late last month.

Isileli Pulu says Mr Pohiva is still the Party's leader.

"I agree with him, and he also asked me to remain in cabinet. He asked me that twice, and I said OK, I'll do that, I'll remain in cabinet and be the representative of our party. There's no hard feelings between us and even the party. Akilisi made his own decision, and as the leader, we respect his decision."