Parliament Ethics & Privileges Committee to revisit its decision

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 16 SEPTEMBER 2022: The Speaker of Parliament, Papali’i Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u has reconvened the Parliamentary Ethics & Privileges Committee that dealt with the complaint that found two Opposition Members of Parliament of contempt and were suspended indefinitely.

The MPs, Opposition Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and HRPP Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi took the matter to court that declared on 30 August 2022, the parliament decision void.

The Speaker however noted part of the Court’s decision that highlighted that the Committee lapsed in their duty concerning a penalty.

“This indicates that the Committee’s work is not done and why I have asked them to reconvene and revisit their decision,” said Papali’i.

The Speaker told Talamua that his decision for the Committee to reconvene was based on the Supreme Court decision on the two suspended MPs.

“The important thing is the chance given to Tuilaepa and Lealailepule to address the Committee and to respond to the Parliament’s decision that suspended them indefinitely in May,” said the Speaker.

Papali’i also confirmed that both MPs have been reinstated to the Parliamentary Committees they serve under and both will attend Parliament’s next sitting on 18 October.