Tongan Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva is back in hospital after attending a swearing-in ceremony in Parliament Thursday.
It is understood his doctor accompanied him to Parliament.
Pōhiva missed the first sitting of Parliament last week because he was in intensive care.
No details about his illness have been released.
During yesterday morning’s sitting Ha’apai MP Veivosa Taka was re-appointed as the Whole House Committee Chair.
Tongatapu MP Losaline Mā’asi and Noble’s Representative Lord Vaha’i were assigned to submit the House’s response to the King’s message from the throne.
All Parliamentarians were at the ceremony, except for Finance Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa, who is on medical leave in New Zealand.
During this morning’s ceremony, 10 Cabinet members were sworn in. However, the Defence and Foreign Affairs portfolios were left vacant.
Reports said Lord Fulivai was reappointed as governor of Vava’u.
These are the current Cabinet members:
Sēmisi Lafu Kioa Sika returns as Minister of Infrastructure and Tourism and becomes Deputy Prime Minister.
Lord Ma’afu returns as Minister of Land and Natural Resources.
Penisimani ‘Epenisa Fifita returns as Minister of Education and Training.
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala returns as Minister of Health and takes up a new appointment as Minister of Public Enterprises.
Sione Vuna Fā’otusia is returned as Minister of Justice and Prisons.
Sēmisi Tauelangai Fakahau returns as Minister of Agriculture, Food, Forests and Fisheries.
‘Akosita Havili Lavulavu has been appointed Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports.
Dr Tevita Tu‘i Uata has been appointed Minister of Commerce, Consumer, Trade, Innovation and Labour. Dr Uata is an unelected Ministerial appointee.
Poasi Mataele Tei has been appointed as Minister of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.
Mateni Tapueluelu has been appointed as Minister of Revenue Collection, Customs, and returns to the Police, Fire and Emergency Services portfolio.
Parliament has been adjourned until Monday.