Speaker to rule whether MPs have breached parliamentary privileges

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 29 APRIL 2022:  Parliament Speaker, Papali’i Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u has given unnamed MPs until 4.00pm on Monday 02 May to furnish written responses to a matter of privilege raised by another Member of Parliament.

However, the matter could extend to contempt of parliament as two Opposition MPs revealed their identities in a media conference two hours after parliament adjourned at 1200 today.

Papali’i made the announcement that he had received a written complaint by a Member of Parliament on a matter of parliamentary privileges under 178 (1) of the Standing Orders.

“In accordance with the Standing Order 180 (2) I am making this announcement for the information of Parliament after the complaint was served on the MPs,” said the Speaker.

“Out of respect accorded Members of Parliament, I cannot reveal the names of the Members in accordance with Standing Orders 178 (2) until the Speaker has reviewed the complaint whether the privileges of parliament have been breached as raised.”

The Speaker then ordered the MPs involved to submit written responses to his office by 4pm on Monday 02 May 2022 and he will announce his decision on Tuesday 03 May. He also ordered no discussion of the matter.

Parliament in this mornings’ session.

If the parliamentary privileges have been breached, then Standing Orders 177 to appoint a Privileges and Ethics Committee to investigate must be satisfied. As well as Standing Orders 181 Procedure When Speakers Ruling Given:

(1) If the Speaker considers that any matter raised by a member involves a question of privilege, this shall be reported to the Assembly at the first opportunity.

(2) Any matter reported to the House by the Speaker as involving a question of privilege shall stand referred to the Privileges and Ethics Committee.

While the Speaker had not mentioned the identities of the MPs affected, two Opposition MPs revealed themselves to the media two hours later which some media outlets had reported.