Pacific / Tonga

Deceased Tonga leader tried to make a difference

10:43 am on 22 September 2021

A former Tonga Deputy Prime Minister, Vuna Fā'otusia, who passed away recently, has been called someone who tried to make a difference.

Mr Fa'otusia became a cabinet member in the past two governments and as deputy to Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa.

Mr Fa'otusia was instrumental in bringing an unsuccessful vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister at the end of last year.

Vuna Fa'otusia Photo: Kaniva Tonga / Kalino Lātū

RNZ Pacific correspondent in Tonga, Kalafi Moala, said Vuna Fa'otusia stood out because he wanted to make a difference.

"He would back whatever party or whatever side he felt was in accordance with whatever he believed in. He was an individualist."

He had a thing about him also, he was a relative, he was an aristocrat - his family connected with the royal family," Moala said.