Speaker concern over the absence of Committee Members

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 17 MAY 2022: Parliament Speaker Papali’i Li’o Tae’u Masipa’u has raised concern over the non-commitment of some Members of Parliament to their oaths when they were sworn in.

Central to the Speakers concern was the absence of some Members of the Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee and those implicated in the Committee’s investigation as their report was supposed to be tabled this morning.

The Committee is chaired by the Minister of Health, Valasi Togamaga Tafito Selesele as the Prime Ministers representative and is investigating any breaches of parliamentary privileges against the Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and HRPP Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

Tuilaepa is currently in Dublin on World Rugby business and his representative in the Committee is former Cabinet Minister Lautafi Selafi Purcell in the nine member committee.

However, Chairman Valasi Togamaga Tafito Selesele moved a motion for an extension until 24 May as their investigation was not completed.

After the motion was passed, the Speaker said this morning’s meeting was not in the Parliament meeting calendar but was called in the motion that set up the Privileges Committee to report to parliament today.

He then raised his concern and sadness over the lack of commitment by some MPs saying it is only health reasons that a member should be excused from Parliamentary Committee commitments and meetings.

He then urged MPs to honour their calling and adjourned proceedings until 24 May for the Committee to table its Report.