LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF TONGA
PRESS RELEASE
TRAVEL FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR TONGATAPU 10
This statement is released in order to clarify the subject-matter, and in response to enquiries made to the Office of the Legislative Assembly regarding the Member of Parliament for Tongatapu 10, Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa.
The Member is currently in the United States of America for medical reasons. The Legislative Assembly is not responsible and has not paid for any of the medical expenses of the Member. The appropriate application for leave of absence from meetings of the Assembly has been completed by the Member. According to section 7 of the Legislative Assembly Act, a Member shall not be absent from the Assembly for a period of more than 3 consecutive months, except with the approval of the Assembly which can be issued for an additional period of no longer than 3 consecutive months.
The Member’s initial three-month period of absence is not yet complete. However, he has sought the approval of the Assembly for further absence, which has been granted for an additional 3 months. The further leave was approved in order for the Member to complete his medicals before returning to Tonga.
Issued by the Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly
18 January 2023
Office of the Legislative Assembly, Nuku’alofa, Tonga
