28 Sep 2017

Fa'otusia accuses Tonga judicial committee of creating instability

8:20 pm on 28 September 2017

Tonga's caretaker justice minister, Vuna Fa'otusia, says the judicial committee which advised the King and Privy Council has caused instability in Tonga.

Tonga's King Tupou VI made the decision to dissolve parliament on Thursday.

King Tupou VI Photo: Tonga Government

Kaniva Pacific reports him saying many of the amendments to laws and the constitution passed by Parliament were vetoed by King Tupou VI because of this judicial committee.

The minister said the law changes by the parliament were not submitted directly to the King to sign but first vetted by the judicial committee.

He said through this process the judicial committee has caused instability in Tonga.

Mr Fa'otusia said this was the reason government had proposed to amend the constitution so cabinet members could become part of the Privy Council.

This would allow ministers to talk and discuss laws directly with the King.

He claims it was because the government was advocating such changes that the King dissolved parliament and ordered an early election.

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