Muagutu resigns from Parliament

The Member of Parliament for Sagaga Le Usoga, Muagututagata Peter Ah Him, has resigned.

The Associate Minister of Trade announced his resignation in Parliament yesterday evening, just before the House passed the second reading of the Citizenship Investment Bill 2014.

“I stand with much respect to speak about a matter that no doubt everyone has heard about through radio stations, newspapers and the internet that concerns me and my family,” Muagututagata said. “I cannot sit and not act upon it as it affects my family, especially my beloved constituency.”

In addressing his constituency, the Member of Parliament said: “To my constituency of Sagaga Le Usoga, I do not take the honour that you had given me for ten years lightly.

“This is the reason I have reached such a decision. Although it has been difficult, I believe it’s the right thing for me to do with a humble heart to officially resign from Parliament.”

The matter the M.P. was referring to is the outcome of a Court hearing where he was found guilty of two charges. The charges were filed by a Chinese company of which he is a shareholder.

The first charge claimed that between January and March 2013, Muagututagata used a false document as if it was genuine. The second charge claimed that the Member of Parliament “with intent to defraud Grand Ocean Industries by false pretense used a document number to cause or induce Grand Ocean Industries to make or execute valuable security namely a cheque in the amount of $62,454.50ST.”

In Parliament yesterday, Muagututagata apologised to his constituency and Samoa.

“I apologise to the Ali’i ma Faipule (of Sagaga le Usoga) and my whole constituency for the decision I have made,” he said.

“I pray that you forgive me for the decision that I have made on my own. Thank you for your support that allowed me to be in Parliament. We will meet on a later day.”

Muagutu also apologised to the Speaker of the House, the leader of his political party, the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) and his fellow Members of Parliament, for his behaviour.

“Please forgive me,” he pleaded.

In response, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi accepted Muagututagata’s resignation. In doing so, Tuilaepa acknowledged the work done by Muagututagata over the years.

“We have all heard of his decision done out of his own will to leave his position,” Tuilaepa said. “This rarely happens in the history of Parliament in Samoa. The resignation is before us and I stand to accept his resignation from Parliament and from H.R.P.P.”

Tuilaepa added that if he had known about the M.P’s intention to resign, “I would’ve asked you to hang in there as we are almost done (with this Parliamentary term).

“However you have plans for your family and I wish you all the blessings.”

Opposition Leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II, also spoke. He said Muagutu’s decision came as a “shock” and it was deeply sad to see him resign.

“We will not forget you. Lets meet again someday soon.”

Individual voters M.P., Maualaivao Pat Ah Him, also took the floor to speak in support of his brother, adding to his apology to Samoa. He reminded Muagutu that he who can control his heart is better than one who conquers the fort.

“Blood is thicker than water,” said Maualaivao. “The Prime Minister has spoken and we are happy to accept your resignation.”

Speaker of the House, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao, agreed.

He thanked Muagutu for considering the importance of his position and thinking of the integrity of the Parliament when he made his decision.

“You did not wait for the Judge to make the decision but you have upheld the integrity of Parliament,” said La’auli.

Muagututagata will be sentenced by Justice Vui Clarence Nelson in the Supreme Court on Monday.

In the meantime, Parliament has been adjourned until 27 March 2015.