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Two Tongan MPs suspended after fight in parliament

Other members tried to hold the struggling pair apart from each other. (Source: Supplied)

Two MPs in Tonga's parliament, including Police Minister Paula Piveni Piukala, have been suspended after they got into a fight during a parliamentary debate.

The Legislative Assembly of Tonga descended into chaos earlier this week when the Police Minister Piukala and the Chairman of the whole House Committee Lord Tu'ilakepa attacked each other in the House.

1News understands the fight started when the Police Minister took exception to Lord Tu'ilakepa telling him to stop shouting when addressing the House and so he walked over to his seat where punches were thrown.

Other members tried to hold the struggling pair apart from each other.

Video of the pair brawling has circulated on Tongan social media.

Speaker of the House Lord Fakafanua ruled that the actions of the pair amounted to disorderly conduct, and he suspended them for five days.

Both Members are excluded from parliamentary proceedings, and they can't collect their salary for the five days.

In a statement from Parliament, the Chief Clerk says the Lord Speaker's decision reflects the Assembly's commitment to a safe and secure workplace, along with upholding the integrity of the legislature.

The MPs will be able to resume their duties on Monday.

It's not the first time the pair have been in conflict with each other - last year they were suspended from parliament after a shouting match that allegedly saw threats of violence, according to RNZ.

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