Tonga's King has told the country's MPs they should try and have a better understanding of the law, Constitution and materials tabled in parliament before they engage in debate in the House.
Tonga's King Tupou VI Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Indira Stewart
King Tupou VI's message was relayed to the House during yesterday's brief sitting.
MPs Lord Vaha'i and Losaline Ma'asi were selected by the Speaker to deliver a response from the House to the King's opening message from January 11.
On Monday the two reported back on their meeting with the King and passed on his advice to their fellow MPs .
Matangi Tonga reported the King's advice appeared to set the tone for proceedings as although there were a few stirring comments, none of the the issues escalated into any meaningful debate.
After nine MPs were assigned to the House Standing Committee and Linda Folaumoetu'i was sworn in as Acting Ombudsman, parliament was adjourned until further notice.
Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva was present, just days after being discharged from the local Intensive Care Unit.
