Tempers Flare As Parliament Convenes
Tuuu Anasii Leota and Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre
Photos: Parliament of Samoa
Tempers flared between Tuuu Anasii Leota and Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, the Deputy Leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) when Parliament convened on Tuesday.
The seasoned Parliamentarians, once friends on the same side in the H.R.P.P. went head-to-head on Tuesday morning as Tuuu attempted to make a case for his departure from the H.R.P.P.
Tuuu said “it was a different” kind of morning, “a first” and historic occasion for Parliament as the safety of his seat as representative for the Siumu electoral constituency would be discussed in the Legislative Assembly.
“This has not happened since Samoa gained its independence,” he said.
Tuuu was the first of three former H.R.P.P. M.P.s to speak and answer to charges brought by Speaker of the House Papalii Lio Taeu-Masipau.
He said the Speaker, all M.P.s the people of Samoa and the people can judge him for resigning from the H.R.P.P.
The Constitution, he said, prepared by Samoa’s forefathers are meant to ensure freedom and protect the rights of all living Samoans.
Referring to Opposition Leader of the H.R.P.P. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi (without saying his name), Tuuu accused Tuilaepa of single-handedly enacting laws that contradict freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
He said when the leader of “a dwindling political party” who has ill intentions, high-mindedness and no respect for authority is when problems arise.
“When one person or a dwindling political party comes along with thoughts of wanting to be the boss and with high-mindedness, that is when there is a problem,” said Tuuu.
Tuilaepa, said Tuuu initiated laws that obstruct politicians from changing political parties without having their seats in Parliament threatened.
Previously, the Constitution and electoral laws allowed for Parliamentarians to change political parties at their own discretion and declare their independence when they lo longer support the party agenda, he said.
It was then that Fonotoe, Tuilaepa’s loyal right-hand man interjected, stating that no one single person has the power to change laws or the Constitution.
“What you speak of...about the laws and the Constitution...they were not built by just one person. No. Those laws were passed by this House. Did you say yes or no? You voted yes for the changes,” Fonotoe said.
House Speaker Papalii intervened and advised Fonotoe to exercise “patience.”
“I speak because this M.P. must be corrected,” Fonotoe said.
“All you have to say is yes or no.”
Tuuu continued that the leader of H.R.P.P. planned the law reforms so no one could leave the party and he could remain in power permanently.
Again Fonotoe interjected, saying that the M.P. for Siumu was misinforming the House.
The opposing M.P.s Tuuu and Fonotoe engaged in a shouting match that went for several minutes with one trying to speak over the other.
Fonotoe implored the Speaker to correct Tuuu and Papalii again asked the deputy leader of H.R.P.P. to exercise patience.
Tuuu said he chose to sacrifice himself by leaving the H.R.P.P. party.
Speaker of the House Papalii reminded the M.P.s that they were to keep their responses short and to refrain from speaking against Tuilaepa, M.P. for Lepa, who was not in the House to defend himself.
“I advise you not to speak against someone who is not here,” the Speaker said.
Before Papalii gave the floor to Tuuu, he said: “I advise these Members of Parliament to keep their responses short. We need only for you to confirm or deny the charges.”
He added: “This is not the opportunity to speak at length. It is the chance for you to confirm or deny the charges that have been laid.”
Tuuu said he was compelled to explain himself and the reason for his departure.
“If I am to answer yes or no, I have to make it clear why I left,” he said.
Fonotoe told Tuuu his reasons for leaving the party were his own to deal with and not a matter for Parliament.
“Your reasons for leaving the party are your own issues! It is not the job of a matter of Parliament you speaking of. Your reasons are your reasons alone...if you deny the charges go to court!,” Fonote exclaimed.
“Who do you want to blame? Who are you blaming?”
Tuuu retorted: “It is you – you and the leader (of the H.R.P.P. party!”
The heated exchange continued with Fonotoe telling Tuuu to stop speaking of Tuilaepa who was not in attendance.
Papalii advised Fonotoe to remain patient and refrain from fighting and adhere to instructions from the Speaker.
“I will not accept anyone standing and speaking out of turn,” he said.
All you have been asked to do is confirm or deny the charge. That is all.”
Tuuu apologised and vehemently voiced his denial of all charges.
Former H.R.P.P. members Tuuu (M.P. for Siumu), Ale Vena Ale (M.P. for Faleata No. 4) and Mauu George Puepuemai (M.P. for Vaa o Fonoti) denied on Tuesday morning the charges.
They have each been charged with violating Article 46 of the Constitution, Articles 141 through 143 of the Electoral Act 2019 and Standing Orders of Parliament.
Their matters of their seats will be decided in a court of law.