Tonga's government has rejected an attempt by the king to revoke key ministerial appointments, it said Tuesday, describing the move as unconstitutional.
A country of about 100,000 people spread across some 170 islands, Tonga was settled around 1,500 BC and claims to be the only remaining indigenous monarchy in the Pacific islands.
The government said in a statement that it had received a letter Friday conveying King Tupou VI's decision.
The letter said the king was revoking Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku's appointment as armed forces minister, as well as the appointment of Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu as foreign affairs and tourism minister.
The Tongan government said it had received legal advice from the attorney general that the move was unconstitutional.
It cited a clause in the constitution that ministers' appointments can only be revoked by the king "on the recommendation of the prime minister" or by a vote of no confidence in the legislative assembly.
"Consequently, the prime minister who is currently overseas has reiterated his confidence in the minister of foreign affairs and tourism," the government said.
The political drama unfolded hours before the arrival Tuesday evening of a New Zealand ministerial delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.
It also coincided with the absence of the island nation's prime minister, who is reportedly undergoing medical treatment. Radio New Zealand said he was believed to be in New Zealand.
Tonga was under feudal rule for more than a century until 2010, when the monarchy boosted democratic representation.