The process of approving international conventions was in “complete chaos,” Tonga’s Minister of Justice said yesterday.
Hon. Sione Vuna Fa’otusia said some agreements were being signed by ministers then later taken to the king to sign. Other processes involved His Majesty from the beginning
He said the situation had caused the government to suggest amending the constitution so that the executive arm of government was involved from the beginning before recommending the king ratify them.
The PACER Plus agreement had yet to be ratified because the government was still working on the terms of the agreement to see that the country benefitted from it.
“Can you imagine how inconsiderate and insensitive of us it is to get the king involved in the process of signing an agreement from the beginning to the end?” the Minister said.
The Member for Tongatapu 7 said seriously considering all the pros and cons of an agreement before ratification was purely in the domain of the executive government.
“The government of the day should consider it seriously before approaching the king for ratification or otherwise.
“We moved to amend the constitution so that the king ratify it on the recommendation of cabinet.
“What is wrong with such a considered process before involving the king?”
The Minister said the king’s decision to dissolve the house on the advice of the Speaker came after Cabinet had prepared to submit draft legislation to amend the constitution.
The main points
- The process of approving international conventions was in “complete chaos,” Tonga’s Minister of justice said yesterday.
- Sione Vuna Fa’otusia said some agreements were being signed by ministers then later taken to the king to sign. Other processes involved His Majesty from the beginning
- He said the government had suggest amending the constitution so that the executive arm of government was involved from the beginning before recommending the king ratify them.
- The Minister said the king’s decision to dissolve the house on the advice of the Speaker came after Cabinet had prepared to submit draft legislation to amend the constitution.
For more information
Speaker has no power to advise king to dissolve Parliament says Justice Minister
Pacer Plus signing followed Budapest convention signing process, Deputy PM says
