Radio & TV Tonga, Nuku’alofa, 11/05/2020

As Parliament resumes deliberations for 2020/2021, the newly elected MP Siaosi Vailahi Pohiva was officially sworn in as Tongatapu constituency one representative to Parliament.

Siaosi is replacing his father the late ‘Akilisi Pohiva, former Prime Minister who died last year.

The ceremony was led by the Chief Clerk of Parliament Gloria Pole’o.

Following the roll call of members present in the House for this morning’s deliberations, the report from the Select Committee tasked with drafting the official reply to the Royal Address from the Throne chaired by Lord Tu’iha’angana was read in the house, however only the cover page of the report was read out and was broadcast live.

Tongatapu 4 MP Mateni Tapueluelu says deliberations on the issue should not be broadcast live as the reply should first be presented to the King.

Speaker then ruled the discussions will not be broadcast live.

Few minutes later, radio resumed broadcasting the deliberations and MPs voted in favor of the report and Speaker nominated two MPs Lord Tu’i’afitu and Dr Saia Piukala to deliver the reply.

Speaker ruled the House will be adjourned until further notice.

© Radio and Television Tonga News