Sāmoa Opposition MP challenges suspension over committee criticism

Sāmoa’s Opposition deputy leader is questioning his suspension from Parliament over comments made during an online broadcast, arguing the rules used to discipline him only apply to conduct inside the House.

Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre Meredith, the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) MP for Anoama’a II, was suspended for 24 hours on Tuesday after Speaker Auapa’au Mulipola Aloitafua ruled he had undermined a parliamentary committee.

The Speaker raised the matter at the beginning of the sitting, claiming Lauofo had ridiculed the Parliamentary Privileges and Ethics Committee investigating allegations against him, Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and party secretary Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

Lauofo made the comments during an interview on the Siapo Lautele programme in September.

He apologised in Parliament and denied intending to undermine the Committee’s work, but has now questioned the grounds for his suspension.

“It wasn’t clear from what he [the speaker] was saying as to the standing order that I had breached,” Lauofo told the Samoa Observer.

Sāmoa’s Speaker of Parliament, Auapa’au Mulipola Aloitafua, ruled that Lauofo’s comments about a parliamentary committee had undermined the integrity of the House. Photo/Parliament of Sāmoa

He’s argued the rules cited concern conduct during parliamentary proceedings, rather than comments made outside the House.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt has supported the disciplinary action, accusing Opposition MPs of repeatedly making misleading public statements about the Government.

Speaking in Parliament, Laaulialemalietoa has questioned who was responsible for protecting the integrity of the House, saying ongoing criticism was creating confusion among the public, churches and public servants.

Sāmoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt backed Lauofo’s suspension, accusing Opposition MPs of repeatedly making misleading public statements about the Government. Photo/Parliament of Sāmoa

He’s referred to claims comparing his Government’s leadership to Hitler’s rule and has said the criticism continued despite previous attempts at reconciliation.

The Prime Minister cited Standing Orders 90 to 92, while Justice Minister Apulu Fesolai Tuigamala also referred to Standing Order 93 when moving the suspension motion.

The rules allow parliament to suspend MPs for disrupting proceedings or disregarding the Speaker’s authority, with a 24-hour suspension for a first offence. They also provide for disciplinary action in other circumstances.

Watch (Sāmoan) Speaker Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua address parliament on Tuesday.

Parliament approved the motion, and Lauofo was ordered to leave at 10am on Tuesday. He returned to his seat on Wednesday morning.

Lauofo has told the Samoa Observer he would not be discouraged from speaking publicly about the Government, maintaining that scrutiny was a responsibility of Opposition MPs.

The Committee was established in May to investigate allegations, that have been described as defamatory and treasonous, against Tuilaepa, Lauofo and Lealailepule.

It was due to report its findings by 20 October.

Laaulialemalietoa also indicated that Tuilaepa and Lealailepule could face similar disciplinary action when they next attend parliament.

PMN News has sought clarification from the Speaker on the grounds for Lauofo's suspension, the application of parliamentary rules to comments made outside the House, and whether the Committee has completed its investigation.