Tonga's reforming king remembered

Last Updated: Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:53:00 +1100

Tonga's Prime Minister has confirmed the death of Tonga's King George Tupou V, the man who brought democracy to the nation.

The monarch, aged 63, died in Hong Kong on Sunday.

His younger brother was with him when he died.

The king was unmarried and his brother, the Crown Prince, is heir to the throne.

Progressive

Reporter Monalisa Palu told Radio Australia the king was a progressive leader.

"He is credited with ushering in the new democracy here in Tonga and a lot of reforms happened here under his reign," she said.

"He was also very helpful with promoting the private sector and a lot of people are in mourning today because of his passing away."

Tongan democracy leader Akilisi Poliva praised the king's decision to change the Constitution in 2010 as "a significant move, a significant action on the part of the monarchy".

Mr Poliva said the king would be remembered for his reforming role.

"To me, His Majesty . . . has contributed a lot towards political reform here in Tonga," he said.

Tributes

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has sent her condolences to the people of Tonga, including the large Tongan community in Australia, after the death of the King.

Ms Gillard says King George guided his country through constitutional change towards democracy.

She says he was a great friend to Australia.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said he's saddened by the king's death.

He paid tribute to the reforms introduced by the king in the Pacific nation, and says the leader can truly been seen as the architect of evolving democracy in Tonga.

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