Tonga’s former Speaker of Parliament, Lord Lasike, has died at 67 following a period of illness.
He passed away yesterday morning, according to reports from Tonga Broadcasting. His funeral is scheduled for next Thursday.
Lord Lasike, also known by his chiefly title Havea Hikuleʻo ʻo Pulotu, was the eldest of six siblings. He succeeded his father to the Lasike noble title in 2001, a lineage established in 1894 by King Tupou II.
Entering the Tongan Legislative Assembly in 2005 as a noble representative, Lord Lasike was re-elected in 2008 and 2010. He was appointed Speaker of the House in December 2010.
His tenure was marked by controversy. In 2012, he was convicted of unlawful possession of ammunition, leading to the loss of his parliamentary seat. However, the conviction was later overturned on appeal.
Lord Lasike’s passing marks the end of another chapter in Tonga’s political history. He is remembered for his contributions to the nation’s governance and his role within the noble hierarchy.
