Parliament Speaker rejects Opposition Leaders claims

Apia SAMOA – 23 February 2024: The Speaker of Parliament, Papali’i Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u has rejected the views of the Opposition Leader that it is not the Speakers job to put out press releases in the performance of his duties.

HRPP Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said in a letter to the Editor, that the Speakers job is only to conduct the debate of parliament and give MPs time to speak and he suggested that if the Speaker wants to do the work of MPs, then he should resign and become an ordinary MP.

The Speaker recently put out a press statement about the urgent need to address the legal defect in the Act that guides the Ethics and Privileges of Members of Parliament based on the decision of the Court of Appeal that dismissed the Speakers appeal against Tuilaepa.

In response to Tuilaepa the Speaker, the public needs to be informed of certain issues that arise from time to time, particularly when such issues are matters the public need some understanding.

“There is no law or parliamentary provision that prohibits the Speaker from publishing Press Releases that aim to inform the public of certain matters particularly those Parliament is involved in.

“I understand perfectly how to execute my duties as Speaker and has continuously been my intention to uphold the independence of the position for which I have been bestowed upon at this time. My duty as Speaker is to protect the supremacy and the honorableness of Parliament.

“I am saddened that the Leader of the Opposition who is a senior Member of Parliament, continues to take the lead in disrespecting the position of Speaker.

“To ridicule the person who holds the position is not a problem, but the literal position of Speaker – a Presiding Officer, a position that is recognised by the Constitution should be revered by all Members of Parliament,” the Speaker said.