25 Sep 2004

Tongan King appoints third justice minister in two months

9:15 am on 25 September 2004

The Tongan King, Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, has appointed a new justice minister.

The former Commissioner for Public Relations, Siaosi 'Aho, is the third person to receive the justice ministry portfolio in two months.

The minister of Lands and Survey Fielakepa had been given appointed last month after the controversial sacking of Aisea Taumoeapeau.

Now the government says that appointment has been cancelled.

Siaosi 'Aho became the first Secretary to Cabinet in 1982 before being promoted to Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

The new justice minister has also been Tonga's ambassador in a number of countries including the US, Belgium and the Netherlands.