Tongan King praised for embracing political reform

PHOTO

George Tupou V has been praised for his role in moving Tonga towards establishing a constitutional monarchy. [TVNZ]

AUDIO from Pacific beat

Interview with Tonga's Revenue Minister Teisina Fuko

Created: 11/11/2009

Last Updated: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:42:00 +1100

A member of Tonga's democratic Party has praised the Tongan King's role in the country's move towards establishing a constitutional monarchy.

A final report from the island nation's Constitutional and Electoral Commission has recommended that Tonga's powerful monarchy be stripped of its authority to select and be part of the government.

The Tongan King is seen to be embracing the changes.

Tonga's Revenue Minister and president of Tonga's People's Democratic Party, Teisina Fuko told the ABC's Kerrie Ritchie, the King has won over a lot of people.

"I think it's timely that the people request further more reform to be more democratic," he said.

"And I think we're very lucky that King George V has voluntarily given away his powers I think, and he's a believer and architect of this change otherwise, it would be a hard fight for us."