The Prime Minister Hon. 'Aisake Eke and his Cabinet Ministers took their oath of office in the Legislative Assembly of Tonga on Friday 31st of January marking the official beginning of their term in Parliament.
Following the Prime Minister's oath, Hon. Paula Piveni Piukala, Minister for Public Enterprise, Police, and Fire Services moved that his oath to be administered in English. Hon. Piukala expressed his belief that the Tongan translation of the oath, particularly the phrase "Talangofua Kakato", did not adequately capture the intended meaning of “Truly Loyal” as conveyed in the English version of the oath. He argued that the word " truly loyal" in the English version more accurately reflected how they should fulfill their duties according to the oath.
The Prime Minister then suggested that the Ministers proceed with their oaths and that the issue raised by Hon. Piukala be addressed at a later time. All Ministers, including the Crown Prince, who serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and His Majesty's Armed Forces, took their oaths in the Tongan language.
Rule 21 of the Rules of Procedure of the Legislative Assembly of Tonga, clearly states Tongan as the official language for Parliamentary proceedings. Hon. Piukala proposed to use Clause 3 of the Rules, which states : “Any of the Rules may be suspended in whole or in part by the Legislative Assembly” be used to permit the use of English in this instance and he can take his oath in English.
The Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua, put the motion to a vote. The result was 7 Members in favor and 13 Members against.
The House also approved the list of Members for all Standing Committees and Select Committees of the Legislative Assembly.
The Speaker, Lord Fakafanua, then deferred the House until further notice.