The King of Tonga has officially appointed Losaline Ma'asi as the country's Minister of Internal Affairs and Sports, replacing 'Akosita Lavulavu who was sacked under a legal cloud in April.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson, Lopeti Senituli, said the King had notified his office that Ms Ma'asi's appointment had been approved.
Tonga MP Losaline Ma'asi attends a mentoring programme by the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians in Wellington. Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
She comes into Cabinet after Mrs Lavulavu was arrested and charged with knowlingly dealing with forged documents and obtaining credit under false pretences.
Mr Senituli said Ms Ma'asi was an experienced civil servant, having been a former CEO of the Ministry of Agrcitulure, Forestry and Fisheries.
"She had been in the post two terms. On top of that she had been a member of the executive committee of the Public Service Association," he said.
"She had also been involved in a lot of women in development committees and at the national level she is very active in the women's fight for the recognition of their rights."
Mr Senituli said the King also signed off on the appointment of Reverend Dr Mohenoa Puloka as the Governor of Ha'apai, replacing Mo'ale Finau who was elected into Parliament last year.
