The Speaker of the House emphasised this morning the importance of maintaining peace, harmony, and good governance in Samoa, as well as ensuring political stability. Central to his remarks was the need for integrity, fairness, honesty, and adherence to the Constitution to safeguard Samoa and its citizens.
It is no secret that divisions have emerged within the ruling Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) political party. These disputes stem from disagreements with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa’s leadership, as well as the permanent dismissal of some cabinet ministers and associate ministers from their positions.
This led to an official letter submitted by certain F.A.S.T. Members of Parliament to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, expressing their collective decision to expel the Prime Minister and five other ministers from the party. The letter also questioned their eligibility to hold cabinet and parliamentary positions.
However, Speaker Papāli’i Li’o ‘Oloipola Ta’eu Masipau clarified in Parliament this morning that, under Samoa’s Constitution, he cannot accept the letter submitted by these F.A.S.T. MPs. He stated that the positions of the Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, and MPs remain unaffected and that Parliament will not address this matter.
The Speaker further explained that the letter included allegations that the Prime Minister and cabinet had shifted their allegiance to another political party. He declared that such claims lack credible evidence and cannot be acted upon by Parliament.
Papāli’i stressed that this issue is not a parliamentary matter but an internal dispute within the F.A.S.T. party. He firmly stated that no political party has the authority to remove a Prime Minister or cabinet ministers from their roles.
The Speaker highlighted that Samoa’s stability and Parliament’s effectiveness cannot be undermined by such internal conflicts. He reiterated that Parliament has numerous important tasks to accomplish for the betterment of Samoa’s future and cannot waste time on this issue.
He also reminded those involved that the judiciary is available should the political party seek a definitive resolution.
The Speaker urged Parliament to focus on their leadership responsibilities, aiming to guide Samoa toward a prosperous future and to avoid distractions or blame games. He called for collective efforts to move forward for the nation’s benefit.
In her ministerial address, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa reaffirmed that all government decisions align with the Constitution and that every leader must respect and abide by its authority. She emphasised that no one is above the law and that all citizens are equal under it.
The Leader of the Opposition, Tuila’epa Lupesoliai Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, added his support to the Prime Minister’s leadership. He declared that the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) fully backs Fiame’s administration with their unwavering support and commitment to Samoa’s development and prosperity.
This story was originally published on the Savali Newspaper Facebook page and written in Samoan by Pesetā Tusiga Taofiga.
