Tonga's new Finance Minister, Lisiate 'Akolo, says a letter he wrote detailing who should have which Cabinet position never reached the Prime Minister.
The later Cabinet reshuffle closely resembled his suggestions but Mr 'Akolo says it was a private letter that he never sent.
The letter, which makes disparaging comments about his Cabinet colleagues, has since received wide media coverage.
Radio Tonga reports that Mr 'Akolo held a media conference on Friday to defend his actions, saying everyone is entitled to their opinions and the letter is not something he has to apologise for.
