Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Prominent Tonga democracy campaigner goes to work for the Prime Minister

Posted at 04:53 on 03 May, 2006 UTC

The Tongan government has approved the appointment of former Democracy Movement director Lopeti Senituli to work for the Prime Minister Dr Feleti Sevele as an adviser.

Dr Sevele says it is a political appointment and Mr Senituli is not public servant and will be in the post as long as he is the Prime Minister.

The Tongan Broadcasting Commission reports that Mr Senituli will start his new job next week.

The appointment follows the confirmation of the former pro-democracy MP Sevele as Prime Minister last month, making him the first commoner to hold the position.