Tonga's opposition leader, Akilisi Pohiva, says the sacked finance minister was right to oppose a pay raise for public servants.
The prime minister asked Lisiate 'Akolo to resign two days ago but it's understood Mr 'Akolo refused.
The matter relates to Mr 'Akolo's opposition to cabinet's approval last month of a five percent salary rise for public servants.
Mr Pohiva says he has spoken to Mr 'Akolo, who told him he would not resign.
He said to me was that there were no reasons for him to step down because what he did - that's his job. He discussed the proposal with his senior staff and the recommendations of the senior staff was that the Government does not have enough money for the proposal and I think he was doing the right thing.
But Akilisi Pohiva says he understands the Prime Minister is now the acting Finance Minister until a replacement is found.
