The parliament’s elected Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa has denied claims he has recruited cabinet minister Dr Tu’i Uata and ousted MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu as advisors.
In Tongan, a statement from Prime Minister’s office said: “…fakatokanga’i ange, ‘oku ‘ikai ke kau ‘a Tu’i Uata mo ‘Etuate Lavulavu, ‘i he Kau Fale’i ki he Palēmia Fili.”
The statement came after Tu’i’onetoa told reporters in parliament last week there was a possibility that he might appoint Dr Uata to lead the government’s e-government priority.
He reportedly said he had not seen anyone else who can do such job better than Uata.
Kaniva understands Lavulavu was one of Tu’i’onetoa’s strong supporters who helped his campaign before he won the premiership election last week.
The king is expected to appoint Tu’i’onetoa as Tonga’s new prime minister shortly.
It is also expected that a revocation process to terminate the ‘Akilisi Pōhiva’s cabinet ministers’ appointments will follow at the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
His Majesty will then appoint the new cabinet ministers.
