15 Sep 2016

Tongan govt says it sacked Vakata

3:39 pm on 15 September 2016

The Tongan government has confirmed that Fe'ao Vakata is no longer the Minister of Internal Affairs and Sport.

Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva's office says Mr Vakata was asked to resign by noon on Monday but after they received no response a submission was placed with the King to revoke his cabinet appointment.

Prime Minister's office, Tonga

Prime Minister's office, Tonga Photo: Supplied

On Wednesday the King accepted the submission thus terminating Mr Vakata's ministerial roles.

On the same day Mr Vakata said he resigned.

Mr Pohiva said he wishes the former minister the very best with his future endeavours and said he will appoint a new minister when he returns from a trip to New York in a week.

Earlier local media reported a complaint had been laid against Mr Vakata for throwing a wine glass at a senior civil servant.