TONGA’S Police Minister, Paula Piukala, has been suspended from parliament along with Lord Tu’ilakepa after they came to blows during a debate.
It’s understood that Piukala angered Tu’ilakepa after he told him to stop shouting when addressing the house. He walked over to his adversary and punches were thrown as other members of the house intervened.
A video of the incident went viral and Speaker Lord Fakafanua suspended the two MPs for five days. The two were suspended las year after a shouting match in parliament.
Fakafanua ruled that the actions of the pair amounted to disorderly conduct, excluded them from proceedings and cut their salaries for five days.
In a statement from Parliament, the Chief Clerk says the Lord Speaker’s decision reflects the Assembly’s commitment to a safe and secure workplace, along with upholding the integrity of the legislature.