The King of Tonga, Tupou VI has rejected a proposal from Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa that he become a member of the Privy Council.
Kaniva News reports that the King also declined a request the police minister have more say over the police commissioner.
The Privy Council oversees the appointments of key public servants such as the police commissioner, judges and the attorney general.
The previous administration of the late 'Akilisi Pohiva had made strong but unsuccessful pushes for change.
It had wanted Tonga to move further towards full democracy.
Don Wiseman asked correspondent Kalafi Moala about the latest tensions within the different arms of the Tonga Government.
Tonga's King Tupou VI Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Indira Stewart
