Vuna Fa'otusia

Mr Fa'otusia became a cabinet member in the past two governments and as deputy to Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa.

Mr Fa'otusia was instrumental in bringing an unsuccessful vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister at the end of last year.

RNZ Pacific correspondent in Tonga, Kalafi Moala, said Vuna Fa'otusia stood out because he wanted to make a difference.

"He would back whatever party or whatever side he felt was in accordance with whatever he believed in. He was an individualist."

Kaniva Pacific reports him saying many of the amendments to laws and the constitution passed by Parliament were vetoed by King Tupou VI because of this judicial committee.

The minister said the law changes by the parliament were not submitted directly to the King to sign but first vetted by the judicial committee.

He said through this process the judicial committee has caused instability in Tonga.

Mr Fa'otusia said this was the reason government had proposed to amend the constitution so cabinet members could become part of the Privy Council.