The Privilege and Ethics Committee has recommended to “suspend without pay” the Leader and Secretary of the Human Rights Protection Party for violation of the Standing Orders of Parliament.
This is result of a complaint lodged by the Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio against Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi and Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi after the MP’s were found guilty of contempt of court for scandalising Judges of the court.
The recommendations was outlined by the Chairman, of the Privilege and Ethics Committee, Valasi Tafito Selesele after he tabled the report by the Special Committee
However the Deputy Leader Fonotoe Lauofo Pierre told Parliament the matter before the court were comments uttered on social media and the court has already ruled on this issue and resulted in a “no penalty”.
The matter that was held before the court has no bearing on Parliament, given the matter specifically targeted the Judiciary.
He said its evident that this is the second time the MP’s have stood trial, or double jeopardy and rejected the recommendation by the Committee.
The Members of Parliament were each given a 10 minute widow to address the report tabled.
This is a developing story.
