Sāmoa PM threatens legal action, opposition leader suspended in Parliament

Sāmoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt has signalled possible legal action against individuals he accuses of defaming the government and misleading the public, prompting a parliamentary confrontation that led to the 24-hour suspension of opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

During his first standard parliamentary sitting since taking office on Tuesday, Laaulialemalietoa delivered a ministerial statement in which he claimed that deliberate efforts to misinform the public and undermine the authority of the elected government had left the country unsettled 12 weeks into the term.

“The government is bringing our policies and initiatives to fruition, but I have noticed strong efforts to defame, misinform, and deceive,” he told MPs, saying this had created confusion about whether the public should follow the government or its opponents.

The Prime Minister told the House that opposition to the government was growing online and within Parliament, adding that “patience is at its limits” and that action was needed to address misleading narratives.

He also criticised local media reporting, saying the government seeks to correct inaccurate information about governance, and argued that it misrepresents the work of public servants and misleads the public.

Laaulialemalietoa told Parliament he had directed the Attorney-General to prepare legal action against individuals whose statements he says intend to defame, deceive, and mislead the public.

Leader of the Opposition, Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo/HRPP/Facebook

He singled out Tuilaepa but did not specify which laws would be used or when, describing it as “sad” that the opposition leader was among those accused, given his long service as Prime Minister.

After the statement, Parliament passed a motion to table it for discussion at a later date. Tuilaepa objected and tried to allow debate during the sitting, but Speaker Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua ruled the request out of order.

When Parliament resumed after the morning break, the Speaker addressed remarks Tuilaepa had made towards the Prime Minister during the adjournment, calling them inappropriate.

Speaker of the Sāmoan Parliament, Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua suspended the leader of the opposition on 16 December for 24 hours to "maintain peace". Photo/Parliament of Samoa/Facebook

He told the House that the statement was already tabled and could not be debated that day, noting that no member seconded the opposition leader’s motion.

“To maintain peace in the House,” the Speaker noted, he decided to suspend Tuilaepa for 24 hours and directed him to leave, after which Parliament resumed scheduled business.

Under Sāmoa’s Standing Orders, ministerial statements do not automatically give rise to debate, with any discussion subject to the Speaker’s discretion or the acceptance of a motion.

In a livestream on the Human Rights Protection Party’s Facebook page, Tuilaepa clarified that he had sought to challenge the Prime Minister’s remarks singling him out by requesting a debate, but added that the Speaker denied him the opportunity to respond.

“The motion to table his ministerial statement prevented debate,” he stated, claiming the Prime Minister’s comments would mislead the country if left unchallenged. He told viewers that he tried to raise the matter in accordance with parliamentary procedure and felt frustrated by the Speaker’s ruling.

(Sāmoan) Watch Parliament proceedings below, where PM Laaulialemalietoa announces his intention to bring legal action, via the Attorney-General's office, against those he claims are against the government.

Tuilaepa acknowledged making an insulting remark towards the Prime Minister.

Tuilaepa rejected claims that his public statements amounted to opposition to the government. He says his comments, including those made through the media, were intended as advice.

Tuilaepa’s suspension was due to end at 11.40am on Wednesday. But when Parliament resumed at 11.20am after the morning break, he was already seated in the House.

The Speaker rebuked him for ignoring the suspension order and directed him to leave and return at the correct time.

Tuilaepa requested permission to address the Speaker, but it was denied. He then left the chamber and did not return at the allocated time.

Parliament ended its December sitting before 1.00pm and will reconvene on 20 January, 2026.