A special Parliamentary committee has been appointed to investigate a complaint filed by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio against the leader of the HRPP, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegoai and Secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.
Speaker of the House Li’o Papalii Taeu Masipa’u says this is a result of his review of the complaint and written responses.
The complaint was made known in Parliament on Friday, however, the Speaker opted not to reveal the identity of the complainant and Members of Parliament under scrutiny. He also ordered as written responses were required of the MP’s under the question submitted by Monday.
Last month Tuilaepa and Leala were found guilty of contempt of court for scandalising Judges of the court.
The Speaker said after reviewing the complaint and responses he concluded that Parliament’s ethic is being questioned and in line with Standing Orders 181.2 this matter will be referred to the Privileges and Ethics Committee.
The term of reference for the Committee is to consider whether the privileges and ethics of Parliament were breached.
The Committee members are Valasi Tafito Selesele, Lautafi Selafi Purcell, Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers, Ale Vena Ale, Sueamuli Fasi Toma, Magele Sekati Fiaui, Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe and Agaseata Valelio Peto.
Tuilaepa took the floor asking to address this matter, however, the Speaker did not allow it. Tuilaepa did not budge and demanded the opportunity. He pointed out the unfairness of the Speaker’s decision when their claims were announced in Parliament publicly, but he was not afforded the same opportunity.
Tuilaepa then accused the Speaker of being “prejudicial” in turn the Speaker told him to sit down but Tuilaepa refused.
The Speaker said Tuilaepa was being rude and disrespectful and in response, Tuilaepa fired back “you too are being disrespectful”.
Cabinet Minister, La’auli Leautea Schmidt took the floor and encouraged the Speaker to remain calm, in carrying out his duties.
But Tuilaepa intervened. He turned to Laauli and said, “we are not kids to be treated as such”.
La’auli told Tuilaepa not to disrespect the Speaker of the House. “He’s the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the people so don’t disrespect.”
Leala attempted to intervene but the Speaker urged everyone to remain calm and went on to turn off their microphones. At the same time, Member of Parliament Sulamanaia Tauili’ili Tuivasa screamed out loud in Chambers.
This prompted Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa to make a motion to remove him from Parliament and spoke directly to Sulamanaia, his actions are rude and “disrespectful.”
Prior to exiting Parliament, Sulamanaia explained he “yelled” inside Chambers due to the disrespectful actions by Cabinet Minister Laauli Leautea Schmidt and MP Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi arguing yet members of the public are tuning in to the sessions.
Then he apologised to Speaker and Prime Minister for his actions, noting that he was looking forward to the session but it’s evident from what is happening there is no sense of unity and peace in Parliament. Sulamanaia was then escorted out of Parliament.
The HRPP Whip Alai’asa Sepulona Moananu also took the floor and attempted to comment on the events earlier, but the Prime Minister took the floor and said the Speaker has already ruled on this issue and the matter is now with the committee and they will go through the complaint and responses thoroughly.
Also, there will be the opportunity for the relevant parties to give testimony and a time for this matter to be deliberated in Parliament.
