Samoa Speaker of Parliament Papalii Lio Masipau once again rejected a proposed motion from the cabinet to remove him and his deputy Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua.
Growing tension in parliament in the past week saw the Prime Minister and cabinet continuously flagging conflict of interest from the Speaker and his deputy in wearing two hats when convenient; as party members and chairing the House.
In the latest proposed motion from Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure Olo Fiti Vaai and Minister of Justice Courts and Administration Matamua Vasati Pulufana, the cabinet raised concerns over the actions of the Speaker setting a dangerous precedent alleging his impartiality and conflict of interest.
In response to the cabinet’s second motion to remove him, Speaker Papalii denied the accusations.
Papalii said the letter from Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) that he signed to remove the PM and others was an internal party matter.
He added he did not sign the motion from Gagaifomauga No.3, Laauli Leuatea Schmidt.
He also rejected the second motion because the removal of the Speaker is not provided for under the Constitution.
The Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) had also submitted a petition signed by all opposition members except two members to the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of their intention to support the motion from the cabinet.
HRPP said their support of the cabinet’s motion is because they confirm the Speaker is biased and is conflicted regarding the current session.
Furthermore, the Opposition noted that the Speaker had a verbal disagreement with the Prime Minister and undermined the integrity of parliament.
Sixteen HRPP members signed the petition while 15 cabinet ministers signed their letter seeking to remove the Speaker.
Meanwhile, in a historic moment for Samoa’s political landscape, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa emerged victorious after surviving a second vote of no confidence in Parliament on Thursday.
The chamber was filled with heightened tensions as the debate on the motion aimed at the Prime Minister and her cabinet unfolded.
Despite harsh and critical speeches from members of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party accused Mata’afa of failing to exhibit strong leadership, causing divisions within her party and neglecting her responsibilities, the motion was defeated.
A total of 32 members voted against the motion, while 19 voted in favour.
PM Mata’afa’s survival was largely attributed to the support from the opposition party which had previously presented a similar motion last week.
During the debate, FAST members criticised Mata’afa for alleged failures, including overturning key government promises made during the 2021 elections, displaying a lack of love for the people of Samoa, and showing disregard for her fellow cabinet ministers.
Some also accused her of clinging to power due to personal greed.
In contrast, members of the opposition spoke in favour of Mata’afa, with some urging the FAST faction to reconcile with their former leader to focus on important legislation for the nation’s development.
Several opposition members voiced their frustrations over the ongoing political turmoil which they argued stemmed from internal issues within the ruling party and had significantly impacted the country’s progress.
While only two cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister were granted the opportunity to address the concerns raised, they rejected accusations that the division within the FAST party was the Prime Minister’s fault.
They instead argued that the rift began when the FAST leader and chairman refused to resign after being charged by police.
With the parliamentary session set to continue on Friday, the political landscape remains charged as the debate over the future direction of the ruling party and the country continues to unfold.
