THE Kingdom of Tonga's first Prime Minister nominated by a majority popular elected Parliament, Lord Tu‘ivakano, is trying tirelessly to form his new Cabinet, comprising of a majority of people’s representatives.
Long time MP ‘Isileli Pulu, is said to have agreed the take up the “Minister for Revenue” portfolio in Tu‘ivakano’s Cabinet. He is one of the leading names in 'Akilisi Pohiva’s Friendly Island Democratic Party,
Lord Fakafanua broke the news today following further meetings between the PM and MPs. He has been the spokesman for the alliance of free MPs (which includes the Nobles) during the campaign for the nomination for the Prime Minister.
Throughout the campaign for PM, deliberations of the nominations in the House, and after being elected PM, Lord Tu‘ivakano has said that he wants a Cabinet that has a majority of people’s representatives and will function as “an uniting force for the nation.”
“I will try and make sure that this new government is a government of the people,” said Tu‘ivakano on Monday.
He also said that the Nobles’ involvement in the new Cabinet will be minimal, “a maximum of about two” he said.
Today, Fakafanua says only Lord Ma‘afu will head Ministry of Lands, and Lord Vaea will head the Ministry of Agriculture. Fakafanua also said Pohiva has been approached by Tu‘ivakano for either the Minister of Health or Education in the new Cabinet, however Pohiva has not made a decision about accepting the offer.
The tentative new look of the Cabinet consists of Vava‘u MP Samiu Vaipulu becoming Deputy Prime Minister, as well as Minister for Justice, Infrastructure, and Transport.
‘Eua MP Sunia Fili will be Minister of Finance, and Niua MP Fe‘ao Vakata will be Minister for Training, Employment, Youth, and Sports.
Lisiate ‘Akolo will remain Minister of Labour, which will be merged with the Ministry of Tourism. Viliami Latu will be Minister of Police. Defence and Foreign Affairs will remain with the Prime Minister.
“But that’s of today, and it can change before the appointments,” said Fakafanua. In the meantime, the Prime Minister does not recognise the FIDP, nor any political parties and so negotiates with their members individually.
Last week, the FIDP convened again to discuss allowing members to participate in the new Cabinet, after they also wanted a “Cabinet of National Unity” on their terms. Although initially resisted, it seems some FIDP MPs have decided to join Cabinet to better serve the people.
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