New Tonga PM unveils Cabinet

Tonga's Prime Minister, Dr 'Aisake Eke, has announced a new Cabinet which includes four unelected representatives.

According to the constitution, the Prime Minister can nominate no more than four unelected members to the Cabinet.

Eleven ministers were selected and they have officially commenced their duties, taking over from the caretaker cabinet that remained in place after Eke was elected by a secret vote of MPs on December 24.

The new ministers are:

• Dr 'Ana 'Akauola, Minister for Health

• Hon Dr Siosiua Moala Halavatau, Minister for Agrculture, Food and Forests

• Hon Sinaitakala Tu'itahi, Minister for Internal Affairs

• Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence

The announcement follows Eke's indication that the Cabinet from the former government would remain in place until the constitutional arrangement processes were completed.

Dr 'Ana 'Akauola is the Medical Superintendent at the Vaiola Hospital. Photo/Australia in Tonga Facebook

Cabinet ministers are appointed by the King upon the Prime Minister's reccommendation.

In the new Cabinet, Eke will also serve as the Minister for Finance, Fisheries and Prisons.

Dr Taniela Fusimalohi, who nominated Eke for the Prime Minister role, is now Deputy Prime Minister.

Crown Prince Tupouto'a Ulukalala is assuming - and not retaining as earlier reported - the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence portfolio, making him the only noble in Cabinet.

Crown Prince, Tupou Ulukalala. Photo/Joseph Safiti

The Kingdom's new Cabinet takes effect today and the ministers will receive their letters of appointment later this week.

The Cabinet members are:

• Dr 'Aisake Valu Eke, Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, Minister for Fisheries, Minister for Prisons

• Dr Taniela Likuohihifo Fusimālohi, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Communications and Climate Change (MEIDECC); and Minister for Infrastructure (MOI)

• Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, Minister for Foreign Affairs and His Majesty's Armed Forces

• Dr 'Uhilamoelangi Fasi, Minister for Education (MOE), Minister for Lands and National Resources.

• Paula Piveni Piukala, Minister for Public Enterprises (MPEs), Minister for Police, Minister for Fire and Emergency Services.

• Mo'ale Finau, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Justice

• Kāpelieli Militoni Lanumata, Minister for Trade and Economic Development

• Mateni Tapueluelu, Minister for Revenue and Customs (MRC)

• Dr Ana 'Akau'ola, Minister for Health

• Dr Siosiua Moala Halavātau, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry

• Sinaitakala Tu'itahi, Minister for Internal Affairs.

Watch political commentator Melino Maka speak on Pacific Mornings ahead of the Cabinet announcement.