Tongan media head bemoans lack of govt information

The chair of Tonga's Media Council, Pesi Fonua, says there is a vacuum of information surrounding government moves and the health of the prime minister.

Akilisi Pohiva was admitted into the local Intensive Care Unit over a week ago and missed the opening of parliament last Thursday.

Mr Fonua, who operates the Matangi Tonga news website, said there had been no information released about the Prime Minister's condition.

"That's basically what's happening is uncertainty and people not really knowing what's going to happen," he said.

"Unfortunately the government hasn't really come out and said anything about what happened to the PM and of course there are a whole lot of rumours and things spinning around."

He said there had also been no confirmation or comment on the formation of the new Cabinet.

Mr Fonua said the current environment seemed to be indicative of the government's media interactions.

"I think it just shows what's actually happening in government. What is actually happening in there with him and his Cabinet.

"I mean, there must be somebody there who [can] step up while he is not well to speak for the Cabinet and for the government but so far nobody," he said.

"We haven't been able to find anybody who wants to say anything."

Mr Fonua hopes this week's sitting of parliament will shed some light on the situation.