Speaker again orders Opposition Leader out of Parliament

Apia, SAMOA – 17 December 2025 – Speaker Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua ordered the Leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi out of the House again this morning when Tuilaepa took his seat before his 24 hours suspension was up.

Tuilaepa was suspended for 24 hours yesterday morning for swearing at the Prime Minister and was supposed to be back in parliament at 1140 this morning.

However, he took his seat about 1128 when parliament resumed after the morning recess.

The Speaker expressed his sadness that the Members’ actions showed disrespect for the Chair and Parliaments’ decision.

He then ordered the Member to leave the chambers to come back when it was time to return.

Tuilaepa asked if he could say something, but the Speaker was firm saying his decision was final and requested the Member to leave the House.

Tuilaepa was heard, saying good, he was leaving – “Ua lelei, o le a ou alu.”

He did not return.

Parliament adjourned at 1.00 after the Minister of Finance responded to issues raised by Members on the Tax Exemption for International Companies Amendment Bill to have Samoa removed from the European Union’s blacklist since 2017 due to the 31,000 international companies registered under the Samoa International Finance Authority’s offshore portfolio.

The amendment is now with the Finance Committee to report back to parliament in a future date.

Parliament final session for the year ended after the final speeches by the Prime Minister and Speaker, wishing Parliament and the country the seasons greetings.

Parliament is scheduled to meet again 20 January 2026.