A month after three Women Members of Parliament were sworn into office and to date, they have yet to be paid.
This was confirmed by Minister of Finance, Mulipola Annarosa Ale-Molio’o said the Ministry of Finance is currently seeking a legal opinion from the Attorney General’s office on how to proceed with this matter.
The MP’s are Ali’imalemanu Alofa Tuuau, Faagasealii Sapoa Feagai of the Human Rights Protection Party, and Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi member To’omata Norah Leota.
They were sworn into office last month, increasing the number of seats in the House to 54.
The swearing-in held last month was in line with a court ruling issued by Chief Justice, his Honour, Satiu Simativa Perese, Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, and Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai.
Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa at that time congratulated the new female MPs adding that the law has fulfilled terms of the 10 percent constitutional mandates.
“It has not been an easy journey so far,” said Fiame in implementing the law at hand, but in the end, the purpose of the law is to allow more women representation in Parliament.
This is Aliimalemanu’s second term in office. She previously served in the previous term, whereas she was appointed Chairwoman of the Parliament’s Financial and Expenditure Committee.
“Faagasealii and To’omata are new members and this is the second time the 10 percent constitutional mandate for Women MP’s have been activated, the last time was one female,” said Fiame.
However, this time around there are three women MPs. Adding the appointment of Toomata as an additional M.P. under Article 1a (b) and 44 1E of the Constitution.
Toomatas appointment was activated when Leota Tima Leavai resigned from her seat. The ruling FAST party now has 31 seats and the opposition HRPP with 22 seats.
