Member of Parliament, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu’uau wept in Parliament yesterday when pleading for reconsideration not to suspend the Leader and Secretary of the Human Rights Protection Party after they were found to be in violation of standing orders.
Aliimalemanu urged Parliament to be compassionate and to give Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, and Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi a seocnd chance, prior to their indefinite suspension without pay from Parliament.
This is a result of a formal complaint by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio lodged against the two senior MPs claiming they had brought Parliament into disrepute after their conviction by the Supreme Court on contempt of court charges.
Chairman of the Privileges Committee Valasi Tafito Selesele presented a report with the recommendation to suspend the MP’s on an indefinite term.
Aliimalemanu pointed out in Parliament Tuilaepa’s years of service should be factored in and that no one is perfect as everyone make mistakes.
The she turned to Leala and stated that while other Members of Parliament are trying to assist but its apparent that he continues to lash out.
In tears, Aliimalemanu pleaded with Parliament to leave the past in the past and it is time to move forward.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa motioned to accept the recommendation by the Committee and it was approved.
The next of Parliament is the 31 May, 2022.
The former prime minister is self-isolating for seven days after arriving from an international trip on Sunday.
