The newly appointed Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Dr. ʻUhilamoelangi Fasi has become the first non-noble to hold the position.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources traditionally comes from Tonga’s nobility, appointed by the King. But, Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet confirmed to Tonga Broadcasting that political reforms in 2010 allowed commoners to hold the role, subject to royal approval.
Fasi’s appointment was formalised yesterday at the St. George Government Building in Nukuʻalofa, alongside other ministerial confirmations in Prime Minister ʻAisake Eke’s cabinet. Fasi is also the new Minister for Education.
This portfolio is one of the most important roles to oversee land management and environmental matters critical to Tonga.
Fasi, the People’s Representative for Tongatapu 2, was first elected to Parliament in 2021, defeating Semisi Sika. He also serves as Chairman of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Anti-Corruption and the Select Committee on Electricity.
A bribery petition filed against Fasi by Semisi Sika over his 2021 election campaign was dismissed by the Supreme Court.
The current cabinet consists entirely of commoners, except for Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala, who serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence.