Privileges Committee Investigate Allegations Against 3 Senior MPs

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia — SAMOA, 27 May 2026 – A Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee has been established to investigate allegations deemed to be defamatory and treasonous involving three prominent Opposition Members of Parliament.

As the last business before parliament was adjourned for two weeks, the Speaker said the matter stemmed from a motion by the Prime Minister in the last parliament session where the allegations and supporting documentation had been submitted for the Speakers ruling.

The Speaker, Au’apa’au Mulipola Aloitafua told parliament that it was his opinion that there is substance in the allegations that need the Privileges and Ethics Committee of Parliament to investigate and report back with any recommendations.

The allegations are against the Leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, Deputy Leader, Fonotoe Lauofo Pierre Lauofo, and Party Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

The Speaker explained that the matter was postponed from the last parliament session on 17 March 2026 to allow for a careful review and his decision under the Standing Orders of Parliament 65.

He emphasized parliament’s commitment to respecting the rules outlined in the Standing Orders and confirmed that the review is necessary to ensure compliance.

Standing Orders 181(2), the case will now be referred to the Privileges and Ethics Committee of Parliament.

This committee is tasked with investigating the matter and to report back to Parliament by October 20, 2026.

Members appointed to serve on this review committee include:

• Afamasaga Leone Mati Masame (Deputy Speaker) – Chairperson
• Faumuina Opapo Oeti – Deputy Chairperson
• Lenata’i Victor Tamapua – Member
• Tilafono David Hunter – Member
• Fiu Fa’aolatane Ponifasio Vasa – Member
• Vui Iiga Sione Iiga – Member
• Motuopua’a Seve Henney Henry Papāli’i – Member
• Mau’u Siaosi Pu’epu’emai – Member
• Fa’alogo Kapeliele II Fa’alogo – Member

The Committee’s Terms of Reference include:

1. Examining whether the MPs actions violated parliamentary protections under the law.
2. Assessing if there was any unprofessional conduct against the Parliament.
3. Reviewing how laws from 1960, including the Law of Power and protections, relate to this case.
4. Determining the impact of the MPs’ actions on parliamentary behavior.
5. Investigating whether any laws, such as Standing Orders 15, were broken.
6. Evaluating the consequences for MPs found to have violated the laws and protections.
7. Offering recommendations on how the Parliament should respond.
8. Reporting its findings to Parliament by 20th October 2026.