Witness Contradicts Evidence, FAST Retains Faleata No.1. Seat

APIA, SAMOA – 30 JUNE 2021: The Supreme Court has struck out the bribery allegation against the FAST elected Member of Parliament for Faleata No1, Manuleleua Paletasala Tovale due to the inconsistency of the evidence provided by the only witness in the case.

His Honour the Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese informed the Court after a short recess that they did not need to hear from the Respondent after analysing the witness’ evidence.

“In our view, the submission is unsubstantiated and we strike it out,” he said.

The allegation of one count of bribery against Manuleleua is related to the $100 tala he allegedly gave the witness.

The Chief Justice said the sole allegation of $100 tala before the Court is insufficient to satisfy the Court and there is no reasonable doubt about the terms of the gift of $100 tala.

“The witness herself said in her first affidavit that it was given to purchase food and when pressed by Justice Fepulea’i Roma, we realized the extra evidence that she had provided for that $100 was a bribe,” he said.

His Honour noted that the witness did not raise this with her counsel.

“There’s a suggestion that she may have raised it but in our view, the representative of the Petitioner would not have left out such critical information,” said the Chief Justice.

The decision means Manuleleua retains the Faleata No.1. seat for the FAST Party.

Outside Court, Manuleleua acknowledged the decision and the support from the FAST party and is family.

The Petitioner is former MP, Salausa Dr. John Ah Ching.