HRPP Deputy Leader accused of bulldozing through suspended MPs reinstatement

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 24 AUGUST 2022: HRPP’s Deputy Leader, Lauofo Pierre Lauofo was accused of bulldozing through the instatement of the party’s suspended Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Party Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

The Minister of Agriculture, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao quickly shut down the suggestion posed by Lauofo in Parliament yesterday for the Speaker to reinstate the MPs who have been suspended indefinitely.

The Speaker had earlier raised the issue of Tuilaepa’s public statements made in the media where he accused the Speaker of attending government ceremonies such as road openings “for personal gain.”

Speaker Papali’i Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u had already corrected and told Tuilaepa to “take his words back”, as he never attended road openings. Papali’i also explained that he attends party functions as he is a FAST Party member that “was my way through as an MP to the Speakers chair.”

So in Parliament yesterday morning, the Speaker raised the issue and expressed his sadness for the embarrassing statements to come from someone who had been leader of Parliament for a long time and as if he doesn’t understand Parliaments Standing Orders.

The Speaker also said the decision to suspend the MPs indefinitely is that of Parliament and the Speaker cannot change it but Parliament.

“I conduct my duties according to the guidelines, but it seemed the most senior MP does not understand the law and Parliament’s Standing Orders,” said Papali’i.

Papalii also said he is aware of Tuilaepa and Lealailepule’s tactics to shame him.

“I was elected as an MP of the FAST party, and appointed as a Speaker by FAST and I have every right to be present at FAST activities, but not on Government issues as I know my duties as Speaker,” said Papali’i. In the end, the Speaker said even though the issue was embarrassing but he had forgiven Tuilaepa.

It was then that Lauofo took the floor and later on told the Speaker, the MPs were not present to be told directly of his feelings.

“But the solution is in your hands, Mr Speaker,” said Lauofo. “Reinstate the MPs so we can talk face to face.”

Laaulialemalietoa quickly got up to oppose the suggestion.

“It is very sad for this to come from the Oppositions Deputy Leader, to bulldoze through – sosofa le mataupu – while the case lies (with the court). They are not apologising, unforgiving and they have broken the law and the standing orders,” La’auli pointed out.

La’auli reminded Lauofo that the Speaker is that of not a party but that of Parliament and the whole country. He expressed his sadness over the defamatory statements made against the Speaker.

“E le o se Fofoga Fetalai o le itu lenei; o le Fofoga Fetalai a le Maota. O le a le filemu e maua o la e taatia le faaiuga ae sosofa faapea? E le faapena le ala o mea ma e le aoaia e se isi le Fofoga Fetalai,” said Laauli

Lauofo said he was not trying to instruct the Speaker but it was his own view and advice – “tu’ualalo” as the Opposition.”

Since being suspended for contempt of parliament, the MPs have taken legal action against the Speaker and the Court heard the matter on 10 August and has yet to deliver its decision.