The Cook Islands Prime Minister's office says last week's sacking of the leader of the house, John Tangi, is a result of his blatant attempts to destabilise the government.
Jim Marurai's office told the Cook Islands News that Mr Tangi could not expect to continue as house leader because he was clearly going against the government.
The paper reports that last week Mr Tangi, who is also the Democratic Party secretary, spoke out against the current members of cabinet representing the party as candidates in this year's election.
Mr Tangi said he considers himself a member of the majority in the party that supports the leader, Sir Terepai Maoate.
Mr Tangi confirmed that no reason had been given for his termination.
But he said it was only fair that the prime minister appoint someone he is comfortable will do things according to the will of government.
