Deputy PM Reminds former Minister of his Oath as a Parliamentarian

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 27 JUNE 2022: The Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio reminded the former Minister of Education, Loau Keneti Sio of his duties as a parliamentarian and a representative of his electoral constituency.

“Read and understand your responsibilities as a Member of Parliament because if you do not, I will also write to you,” said Tuala.

Loau accused Tuala as the cause and reason why the Human Rights Protection Party Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi have been suspended from Parliament.

“If it was not for your letter of complaint, none of this would have happened, ” said Loau. “Now I hear it has gone back to the court, so this will not end.”

Central to Loau’s disappointment was Tuala’s letter of complaint against Tuilaepa and Lealailepule for breach of Parliament privileges and ethics.

The complaint was investigated by the Privileges and Ethic Committee that found the two of breach and recommended that both be suspended indefinitely and without pay.

Added to Loau’s disappointment was Tuala’s absence from Parliament when the Privilege and Ethics Committee’s report was discussed. The speaker told parliament on the day the Report was debated that Tuala had the Covid virus and why he was absent from Parliament.

According to Loau, he made an effort to resolve the matter. “I approached the Prime Minister hoping for the matter to be dealt with amicably and in a kingly manner,” said Loau.

“But it was Tuala’s letter that instigated the matter.”

Tuala however informed Loau that he does not do things without basis or without a solid foundation.

He referred to the Parliament Standing Orders that guide every Member of Parliament who had been sworn in.

“Read and understand them well because that is the basis of the oaths taken by every Member of Parliament and to conduct their responsibilities according to the oaths they took,” said Tuala.

Loau tried to argue back but the Speaker, Papalii Li’o Taeu Masipau intervened.

“No one can stop a person from exercising their human rights,” said Papali’i. He also reminded the former Minister that the matter had already been dealt with by Parliament.

Last week, Tuilaepa and Lealailepule filed a legal challenge against their suspension and wanted the Court to deal with the matter urgently.

The Court however has already set their timetable and scheduled the hearing of the legal challenge in August 2022.

The parliament debate on the Main Budget for 2022/2023 Financial Year continues today with the Chairman of the Finance Committee to speak on the issues raised before the Cabinet Ministers take turns to reply to members.