Another Member of Parliament files complaint on privileges

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 18 MAY 2022: The Parliament Speaker has received another letter of complaint by a Member of Parliament against another member alleging breach of parliamentary privileges.

The Speaker did not name the parties but confirmed that the MP whom the complaint is against has a copy of the complaint and has until the end of this month to respond to the complaint.

The Speaker will peruse the complaint on whether it has breached the Parliament ethics then report to Parliament’s next sitting whether the matter should be referred to the Privileges Committee for further investigation.

This is the second complaint by an MP against another Member dealt by Parliament in the last three weeks.

The first complaint was filed by the Deputy Prime Minister against former Prime Minister and HRPP Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and the Faleata No 3 MP, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi who had been convicted of contempt of court.

That complaint is being investigated by the Privileges and Ethics Committee and was supposed to table its report in Parliament Tuesday this week. However, the Committee Chairman, Valasi Togamaga Tafito Selesele asked for an extension to complete their investigation.

The request for extension prompted the Speaker to express his concern and sadness over the lack of commitment of MPs to their calling resulting in the Committee not completing its task in time.

Parliament has been adjourned to 24 May for the Committee to table its Report.